In 2022, God has good works for us to do
Specific years make a significant difference in our lives. 2022 may be particularly eventful for some folks and not so much for others. Some will grow wiser and more satisfied with their lives in the year ahead. Some will face life changes they didn't ask for and do not welcome. Every year unfolds one day at a time as it will. Is the coming year about our effort and control? How much will it have to do with the actions of others or God’s actions? Some say their lives have nothing to do with God. Some blame others and God for what has gone wrong for them every year.
Alexander the Great, of ancient history, who led a great army of between 48,000 and 90,000 soldiers, believed, “Upon the conduct of each (soldier) depends the fate of all.”
The actor Randolph Scott stated, “I’m a great believer in fate. I think things happen in spite of and despite yourself.”
Many today are satisfied believers in their own wisdom, power, and authority. Yet every year, we are invited to live in the authority of God. God is the creator and sustainer of all that’s visible and invisible. God is almighty, all-knowing, and is the one who holds everything in his authority. We know God best through Jesus, his Son.
Jesus, conceived by the Holy Spirit, took on flesh as the word of God and lived as the baby of Mary and Joseph. Jesus grew as all babies do into a child and young man. He “Grew and became strong; he was filled with wisdom, and the grace of God was upon him.” (Luke 2:40) Jesus, “Increased in wisdom and in stature and in favour with God and men.” (Luke 2:52)
The year Jesus was 12 became particularly important for him. When Jesus with his parents went up to the Feast of the Passover at Jerusalem, he did not return with his parents when they started for home. They were not aware Jesus was not with them among their relatives and friends. After a day, they discovered Jesus was not with them in their group bound for home. They went back to Jerusalem looking for Jesus. It took three days to find Jesus. When they did, Jesus was at the temple among the teachers listening to them and asking them questions. The teachers were amazed at the understanding of Jesus.
Mary was dumbfounded that Jesus had treated them so thoughtlessly, causing their frantic search for him. Jesus said to Mary, “Why were you searching for me? Didn't you know I had to be in my Father's house? ” (Luke 2:46) His parents could not understand what Jesus was saying to them. Jesus did return to Nazareth with his parents, and he was obedient to them.
Mary and Joseph would learn that Jesus had work to accomplish for God his Father in heaven. Jesus put what he needed to do for God his Father first. He lived and died so His Father’s will was done in the work on Earth that His Father had prepared for Jesus to do.
Every year God’s word challenges us; “For we are God’s workmanship to do good works which God has prepared for us to do.” (Eph. 2:10)
