Old Testament reading: Jeremiah 29-30
Today’s reading is a message of hope to those who had been taken away into captivity. There is a historical note that must be understood here as well. There were three carryings away into Babylon. The first took place in 606 B.C. in the days of Jehoiakim (Eliakim – 2 Chr 36:4-8). The second was in 597 B.C., and the last was in 586 B.C. when Jerusalem was destroyed in the days of Zedekiah. So, as we read of Jeremiah pleading with Zedekiah and the people to surrender to Nebuchadnezzar, we should know that some Jews had already been taken to Babylon. (This is why Hananiah lied about breaking the yoke of the king of Babylon in Jeremiah 28:2.) Those who were first taken in Jeconiah’s reign are the recipients of Jeremiah’s letter in chapter 29 (vv1-2). In the letter, Jeremiah encourages them to build houses, plant gardens, marry and have children (vv 5-6). Moreover, the captives are to pray to the Lord on Babylon’s behalf, “for in its peace you will have peace” (v 7). This letter reaffirms their captivity in Babylon will be for seventy years, then God will restore them to their former place (v 10).
New Testament reading: Luke 2-3
Following the “lost in Jerusalem” incident, Luke makes three statements concerning Jesus: 1) Jesus was subject to His earthly parents; 2) Jesus increased in wisdom; and 3) Jesus increased in favor with God and man. Consider the contrast of the young Savior with the youth of today. It is at this very age, the age of adolescence and the early teen years, that many youth begin to rebel against the authority of their parents. Not Jesus. Having been raised in a godly home, He exercised His free will and dedicated Himself to being a son who would please both Joseph and the heavenly Father. Jesus also applied Himself to wisdom. If he astonished the seasoned teachers of the law at age 12, one can only imagine the wisdom of our Lord as He began His earthly ministry. Finally, Jesus conducted Himself in such a way so as to gain the favor of God and man. Even today, there are still many who appreciate a polite, respectful, and well mannered young person. Our Lord’s youthful example is one that we all should strive to emulate.
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