Dripping Springs Weekly Bulletins

"I Must Be About My Father's Business" It has been called the “most familiar narrative in all literature.” Whether that is true or not, I cannot say, but Luke chapter two is widely read, primarily verses 1-20, concerning the birth and infancy of Jesus. We will be considering verses 21-52, which give us the only real details about Jesus’ youth, including that time He was “lost” and then found in the Temple. In the middle of this chapter we are introduced to two extraordinary people, Simeon and Anna, whose lives and actions deserve our attention. Simeon’s ancestry is not known, though some say he may have been the son of Hillel and father of Gamaliel. Some sources say he was over 100 years old at the time of the events of this incident, and the text specifically says that he was “just and devout,” or righteous and pious. He was awaiting the birth of the anointed one, for the Holy Spirit had revealed to him that he would not die before seeing the Messiah. Rejoicing when he saw Jesus, he told Mary that, though heartache would be hers, Jesus would be a part of the “fall and rising again of many in Israel.” In verse 36, a prophetess named Anna, who was “of great age,” had been a widow for many years, and “served God with fastings and prayers night and day.” Her part, as well as that of Simeon, helps us to see the nature of Jesus’ earthly surroundings, and the eager waiting for the Messiah so common in Jesus’ day. Jesus’ parents went to Jerusalem every year for the observance of the Feast of Passover. In Luke 2:41-52 we read of one of those journeys, this one when Jesus was twelve years old. The journey from Nazareth took more than a day, and it was common for the youths to travel in the same party, but be grouped with those of their own age. On their return trip, Joseph and Mary assumed He was with his friends, and only after a day’s journey did they discover He was not with them. Frantic, they searched and discovered that He had remained behind in Jerusalem. When they found Him on the third day, He was in the Temple, “sitting in the midst of the doctors, both hearing them, and asking them questions,” verse 46. He was not just listening to them, but was entering into discussions. That resulted in amazement among those who participated in it or observed it. So wise were His questions that: “all who heard him were astonished at his understanding and answers.” We can only imagine the concern Mary and Joseph felt as they searched. They were aware of the nature of this son of theirs, Luke 1:26-35, Matthew 1:18-25, and we can only guess at their thoughts. Mary said to Him, “Son, why hast thou thus dealt with us? behold, thy father and I have sought thee sorrowing.” Jesus’ response is a memorable one: “How is it that ye sought me? know ye not that I must be about my Father's business?” Even at the age of twelve, Jesus’ priorities were in order. He was busy, but about His “father’s business,” and the world would never be the same again. Here we have the setting for a brief insight into the very soul of the Son of God, even if only 12 years of age, and we would be wise to be instructed by it. Note the lessons we can gain by this intriguing narrative: 1. His parents were diligent in God’s law. At Jesus’ birth, all the details of the Law were observed. Every year they went to Jerusalem for Passover, and that diligent commitment was not lost on their son. So with our own children; they learn much from our example. 2. Some activities must have priority over others. Having learned that God’s law was a “daily” matter, Jesus began early in life to prioritize every act of every day. Others are watching our lives as well, and they see what is most important in our lives. What do others see in your life and your priorities? Are you like Him? 3. Our “father’s business” must be the highest priority item in our life. Not our job; not our hobbies; not our social or political duties; not our community or charity affairs—but the “father’s business.” It is our obligation to be the “the salt of the earth…the light of the world,” Matthew 5:13-16. Have you wondered why God chose Mary and Joseph as Jesus’ parents? And this event in Luke 2; why was it chosen to be one of the few to be recorded from His early life? If we are to follow in His steps, we need to consider the way He went about His every activity and how He spoke His every word. “Know ye not that I must be about my father’s business?” Carl B. Garner

The Liquor Bar Whoever named it, named it well, A bar to heaven, a door to hell. A bar to manliness and wealth, A door to want and broken health. A bar to honor, respect and fame, A door to sin and grief and shame. A bar to hope, a bar to prayer, A door to darkness and despair. (Author, Wise, But Not Known) A bar to honored, useful life, A door to brawling, senseless strife. A bar to all that's true and brave, A door to every drunkard's grave. A bar to joy that home imparts, A door to tears and aching hearts. Whoever named it, named it well: A bar to heaven, a door to hell. (Author, Wise, But Not Known)

Strong Drink: The Devil's Brew The "happening" thing in modern society is social drinking. Whether we watch television or listen to the radio, we are influenced to drink alcohol. Being under the influence of alcohol causes more deaths on the road, divorces and child abuse than anything else. What kind of people are we? To esteem such an immoral act so highly is deplorable. The Bible teaches much on the subject of alcohol; in fact, the wisdom literature teaches, "Wine is a mocker, strong drink is raging: and whosoever is deceived thereby is not wise," Proverbs 20:1. This passage is telling us that a person who thinks that he can drink and remain in control has been mocked. We are also advised in Proverbs 23:30-31 not to even look at the wine when it is red. In the New Testament the apostle Peter wrote "Wherefore gird up the loins of your mind, be sober," 1 Peter 1:3. The word here translated "sober" comes from the Greek word nepho, meaning to abstain from alcoholic intoxicants. Society's acceptance of social drinking does not make it acceptable to God Almighty. Let us strive to live soberly in all aspects of our lives, not being unwise, "but understanding what the will of the Lord is," Ephesians 5:17. Some Statistics About Alcohol At least 99 million people drink alcohol in the U.S. One out of 8 adults are alcoholics There are approximately 10 million adults who are alcoholics. There are approximately four million women who are alcoholics. Alcoholism affects about one in four families. In Texas, there are about 780,000 youth and adult problem drinkers. It is estimated that each problem drinker affects at least four other people. Alcohol is the Number One cause of death of people between the ages of 15 and 24. Alcohol causes 60% of teenage deaths on the highway. Clay Bond (2nd year student - SWSBS)