“Now all things are of God, who has reconciled us to Himself through Jesus Christ, and has given us the ministry of reconciliation,” II Corinthians 5:18 NKJV

There s a familiar Biblical story in chapter 2 of Luke where Joseph and Mary, the parents of young Jesus, had to return to Jerusalem to collect Him after He was inadvertently left behind.  They found Him in the Temple not only listening to the religious elders of that time but dazzling them with questions and insights of His own.  From a mere 12 year old, His famous line to his earthly parents who were pleased to locate Him, “Didn’t you know I was about My Father’s business?” echoes to this very day.

May we take a closer look at the essence of what Jesus was saying. Simply put, and to our eternal advantage, God (His Father) is in the business of restoring people to Himself. That’s right… He’s all about establishing the best care and wellness in you and me!

Tony Cooke helps us understand our Father’s divine incorporation in chapter 24 of his book “Grace: The DNA of God.”  He shares the following:  “When God created Adam and Eve, He didn’t create them as “worms of the dust.”  He made them just a little lower than Himself and He crowned them with glory and honor!  Of course, mankind lost much in the fall, but Jesus came to deliver us from sin and restore us to God (Father).  When we were reunited with God, we were once again partakers of His glory; His good opinion of us was restored in Christ.”

Isn’t it amazing that the God of Creation, the Father of all, has never given up on any of us? His nature of love is in constant pursuit. The greatest proof of this was in the dedicated activity of that 12 year old boy.  Jesus grew in wisdom and stature, was crucified for the corrupting sin of mankind, and will soon return for us.  Why? Because the souls of all of us (Joseph, Mary, the religious elders, and you and me included) are His highest treasure. Full restoration back to Him and His eternal family is the business of Jesus. Wouldn’t it be something if we could share in so great a pursuit? I’m willing and determined to set my heart in doing just that.  Are you?

Matt 4:19; 1 Thes 5:23; Jer 29:11; Josh 24:15; Prov 3:5-6