2023/09/08 - Luke 2: Jesus – His Birth & Early Life
Jerry Starling
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Reading: Luke 2: Jesus’s Birth & Early Life
Verse for Today:
He said to them, “Why were you searching for me? Did you not know that I must be about my Father’s business? (Luke 2:49)
Daily Devo
Jesus – His Birth
Augustus sent the couple to Bethlehem for taxation registration. Joseph was from David’s lineage. Mary was with him. Her delivery came, “and she gave birth, and laid him in a manger, because there was no room in the guest room.”
Shepherds and Angels
The shepherds said, “Let’s go see this marvel.” They found Mary, Joseph, and the child in the manger. They told everyone what they had seen and heard; the first evangelists were shepherds.
Presented in the Temple
After forty days, they took Him to the Temple to designate Him, “holy to the Lord.” For Mary’s purification they offered a couple of birds, for they were poor.
Simeon, a devout, righteous man, was looking for Israel’s hope. “The Holy Spirit was on him and revealed that he would see the Messiah before he died.” When the parents brought Jesus, Simeon took Him and praised God saying, “I have seen Your salvation, a light for revelation to the Gentiles and for Israel’s glory.” What was said amazed Joseph & Mary.“
Simon told Mary, “This child is destined as a sign to be opposed so the inner thoughts of many will be revealed – and a sword will pierce your soul.”
Anna, an elderly prophetess, lived in the Temple. She lived with her husband for seven years and as a widow to age eighty-four. She came, “Praised God and spoke about Him to all looking for the redemption of Israel.”
Return to Nazareth
"The child grew, became strong, filled with wisdom, & the favor of God was upon Him.”
The Boy in the Temple
At twelve-years, his parents took Him to the Passover festival. When the festival ended, they assumed Jesus was in the group. When they stopped, Jesus was not there. They returned to Jerusalem to find him.
The third day (Remember this for Chapter Twenty-four.), they found Him in the Temple, “Sitting among the teachers, listening to them, & asking questions. All who heard Him were amazed at His understanding and answers.”
Mary said to Him, “Your Father and I have been searching for You with great anxiety.”
He replied, “Why were you searching for Me? Do you not know that I must be about My Father’s business?” They did not understand His words.
He went with them and was obedient. Mary treasured these things in her heart. “And Jesus increased in wisdom, in knowledge, and in favor with God and man.”
He lived with His parents for eighteen years. Joseph likely died, making Him head of the household.
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Pray for Yourself
Father, what pleasure I find in watching the reactions to Jesus in this chapter. The king knew His Father but was obedient to Joseph and Mary. This is a lesson for me, to always respect my parents. Help me to do that and to teach others to do that. In the precious, holy name of Jesus, I pray, AMEN!
My Prayer for You (and for me)
Father, I offer this prayer for all who may read these words. May each of us meditate seriously on how Jesus grew up, increasing in wisdom, knowledge, and in favor with God and men. In your meditation, compare verse forty with verse fifty-two. In the precious name of Jesus, I pray, AMEN!
Updates for Central
Top Golf at ½ Price on Sept. 12th at Top Golf off Lake Emma Road in Lake Mary. Be there at 7:00 p.m. Signup sheet in the church Lobby.
Ladies Book Club Night is also on Sept. 12th at 7:30 p.m. The study is the book Pursuing Contentment. The group meets on Zoom the 2nd and 4th Tuesdays. Zoom Meeting I.D. 919 473 5097 Use Password: kidsmeet.
The Kid’s Club is on Saturday, September 16 from 6:00-8:00 pm., ages five to twelve. Melissa Knowles will be the teacher. Kids can come and have fun while Mom & Dad can relax.
Mission Romania Jerry Holder will have a report on his Romanian work is doing at the Morning service July 17. He was there in July.
Sunday Night for the Master will be on September 17. Light snacks will be provided following the evening worship.
Our Donation for Eastern European Mission’s Million Dollar Sunday will be on September 24. The entire contribution that day will go to EEM for Bibles in the old Soviet bloc of nations in Eastern Europe. Last year increased by 24% over 2021 with the most Bibles ever given away at about 1,964,000 Bibles distributed. They are hoping for more this year. What began as smuggling Bibles, after the fall of Communism, became an open mission with public schools and many other clients asking for Bibles, which EEM provides free of charge.
The Next Fellowship Lunch will follow the Morning Service on Sunday, September 24.
Prayer Needs
Tina Phillips tested positive for COVID-19 Tuesday. Tom said she is tired but so far he has not caught it. Pray for her and for Tom that he does not get it.
Pat Duncan’s friend’s grandchild Daniel is home. Keep the family in your prayers.
Shane Ledford tested positive for COVID-19 Friday morning last week, tested positive again Wednesday, and Tom followed on last Saturday. Pray for both Ledfords.
Susan Allen came home following her procedure. Keep her in your prayers.
Cindi Criss had her surgical procedure Friday, late in the day, stayed two nights in the hospital, but was discharged on Sunday, September 3. Keep her in your prayers.
Jennifer San Juan asked for more prayer for her daughter, Dawn. She is not doing very well, and Jennifer is deeply concerned. Keep them in your prayers.
Carl Bolli asks for prayers, as he fell a few weeks ago. He missed his CAT scan d/t the storm and is rescheduled for September 8. Keep him in your prayers.
Joan Berry, Joanna Turner’s Mother, needs our prayers.
Carol Grandey, Brenda Schmidt’s sister, is home and is doing well. Brenda is coming home today.
Jesse Matthews, Sr. Ruth said he is in rehab, and they are looking for a nursing home for him. Their daughter is also still recuperating from her broken ankle. She needs prayers as does the whole family.
Kristi Holder says she is really improving with her neck but is tired of the neck brace. She will have the hard brace until the end of October, so she still has weeks of wearing that brace. Keep her in your prayers.
Joy Bland found she has a broken bone in her foot that requires a boot to help it heal. She will have it for about six weeks and had a PET scan. She is considering further treatment.
Gale Harnish is home, but not well. Keep her in your prayers.
Susan Allen’s sister Debi is not well at all. Please remember her in your prayers.
Please let us know when you have events to publicize, are in the hospital, or are sick and need prayers. If you request prayer for someone, let us know when to take them off the prayer list. You can contact me by text or phone at 407-453-5392.