2017: following the example of Jesus?

Luke 2:49 And he said unto them, How is it that ye sought me? wist ye not that I must be about my Father's business?

A new year has now begun and many are talking about good intentions. There's always something to be said for it, but ultimately, they are aimed at what we find ourselves what needs to change. But what is for year 2017, total lies in the hand of God. But our goal should and must be to come in 2017 closer to God. A new year, another whole year to deepen the relationship with God. But how can we actually do it? Then let us look at the great Master, for he has done it like at the age of 12 years.

It was the feast of the Passover, when the 12-year-old Jesus with Joseph and Mary were in Jerusalem. They celebrated the feast and Joseph and Mary were on the way back home. Until they found out that Jesus was gone. They turned around and searched the city to find Jesus. And when they found Him in the temple, Jesus said: Why have you sought me? Jesus is really surprised by the fact that Joseph and Mary had search for Jesus, why do they not understand that he must be in the temple to be busy about His Father? It is normal for Jesus to be in the temple, it is so normal for us to be in the church?

But what does Jesus in the temple? Verse 46 says that He was among the teachers, listening to them and asking questions. Jesus, the Son of the Most High, is in the temple and listening to the teachers. That's equal to the first point for 2017. We must listen to the Word of God, to those who want it and can explain it to us. We are allowed to ask questions examine the Word, and thus closer to God. We will always receive more wisdom and to know God better. Jesus teaches us to listen, let us be silent in 2017 and just listen to God's Word and to His servants who interpret Scripture.

But Jesus was also wise by Himselve. All who heard him were astonished at his understanding and answers. Jesus, of course, has an extraordinary mind, but he was still fully man. Yet the Holy Spirit wants intellect also give to us, He wants us to learn what God's word means and how we can live in it. Then we received some reason, that God will manifest in us. We do not need to be smart or gifted for, but the Spirit of God opens our minds to, and He will give us His wisdom. That does mean that we are there to propose open and to come into the house of the Father and to listen, the Spirit will work in us.

Should I then go every Sunday twice to church? Should I go to catechism, by association, to the circuit or Bible study group? Must I at home read the Bible? You know, it is ultimately your choice. You do not have to do that, but realize that it does have consequences. You can not grow without the Word, so when we do not listen to that Word we will wither. That is the consequence of not doing those things, the things of the Father. What year is it for you in 2017? Do you follow the example of Jesus, or do you go your own way? Two ways to live in 2017, which way is your way?

I pray you all God's blessings and that we should listen a lot to the Word, to the teachers and above all to the voice of God's Spirit.