A Return Trip Like No Other
I’ve mastered making return trips – which isn’t a compliment to myself! Case in point – going to the grocery store and picking up all the items on my list — only to get home and realize one item was missing and I had to make the return trip.
In Luke 2:41-51 we read about the young 12-years-old Jesus going with his parents to the Festival of the Passover in Jerusalem. After the festival was over, unbeknownst to His parents, Jesus stayed behind in Jerusalem.
His parents thought He was with relatives in the caravan, but not so. His parents made the 3-day return trip to Jerusalem and eventually found him in the temple courts listening and asking questions of the teachers. Everyone who heard Him was amazed at his understanding and His answers at his young age.
Mary and Joseph’s precious possession had been found. Their RETURN trip was worth the effort. But I can imagine He received some good “talking to’s” along the way of that RETURN trip.
Speaking of RETURN trips. Jesus left His throne in heaven, came to earth to live among us, be one of us, show us the way, die a criminal’s death and be buried. But hold on! He RETURNED to life.
A comeback story like none ever told. Go ahead and believe in another god, but I assure you, yours is dead. Ours is ALIVE and well! He rose up out of that grave! He revealed Himself to many people and then He RETURNED to heaven to reign on High.
That’s not the end of the story. It is the beginning for you and me. Yes, this time of the year we treasure the sweet baby Jesus in the manger. I have my collection of nativity scenes placed all over our home. They are precious to me!
But, more than the baby in the manger, what excites me most is that He is our soon-coming, soon RETURNING, King of Kings and Lord of Lords. His love for us who believe in Him cannot be exaggerated.
He will RETURN – sooner or later. And, when He RETURNS, when His feet stand on the Mount of Olives, I expect to be there, as His devoted follower, as one of “His sheep”. This can only happen through personal faith in Him.
Getting ready for eternity should be our first priority! This old hymn’ chorus comes just to mind – and it expresses my greatest desire and hope:
“Oh, I want to see Him, look upon His face,
There to sing forever of His saving grace;
On the streets of Glory let me lift my voice;
Cares all past, home at last, ever to rejoice.”
That is a RETURN trip that is worth the wait and worth living with no regrets. Take my hand. Let’s go together!