The Bible says: ‘Every year Jesus’ parents went to Jerusalem for the Festival of the Passover. When he was twelve years old, they went up to the festival…After the festival was over, while his parents were returning home, the boy Jesus stayed behind in Jerusalem, but they were unaware of it. Thinking he was in their company, they travelled on for a day. Then they began looking for him among their relatives and friends. When they did not find him, they went back to Jerusalem to look for him. After three days they found him in the temple courts, sitting among the teachers, listening to them and asking them questions. Everyone who heard him was amazed at his understanding and his answers’ (vv. 41-47 NIVUK). Note the words ‘Jesus stayed behind in Jerusalem, but they were unaware of it. Thinking he was in their company…’ It was a full day’s journey before they realised He wasn’t with them! Then it took them three days to find Him! There is a lesson here for you. It’s easier to lose that special sense of God’s presence than to get it back once you have lost it. It’s easy to wander off and do your own thing, unaware that you haven’t included the Lord in your day or taken time to consult Him about your plans. The way to maintain a sense of God’s presence is to intentionally involve Him in all that you do. Jesus promised, ‘Anyone who loves me will obey my teaching. My Father will love them, and we will come to them and make our home with them’ (John 14:23 NIV).
