Faithfulness:  Amidst Change

Read: Luke 2: 41-52. 

Focus: Assuming that he was in the group of travelers, they went a day’s journey. Then they started to look for him among their relatives and friends.

Consider: Funny how attitudes change. The holy parents are so revered for their faithfulness. Yet, we apply a double standard to them in sentimentalizing their ancient ways. We accept that they left their child behind in the education program of their day.  Today, they would be jailed for child neglect. In present days, when 70% to 90% of all child abuse occurs not by strangers but by relatives and friends, we tolerate that the Bible’s Christ-parents know not where or with whom their charge is kept. Why is this neglect acceptable? Has human nature so produced present dangers that we think ancient ones did not exist?

What has changed in today’s way of thinking that renders Biblical experience moot by today’s standards? And what has changed that ought to be changed back because Biblical wisdom is superior to present-day findings? Do we care to consider?

We are faithful as we consider hard questions about seemingly universal beliefs and practices. We are faithful when we invoke change. 

Pray:  Unpredictable God of maturation/evolution/ development, enable us to let the peace of Christ rule in our hearts, to which indeed we are called in the one body. And be thankful.

All contents copyright 2006 by the Wisconsin Chapter of the Methodist Federation for Social Action. Permission is granted to United Methodist congregations, individuals and groups to reproduce and distribute this devotional without charge. All other use requires the advance permission of the editor.