We Are on Track: Growing in Purpose and Embracing God's Business

Have you ever felt like you're wandering without clear direction, unsure if you're living up to your God-given purpose? The story of young Jesus in the temple offers profound insights into discovering our calling and staying on track with God's plan for our lives.

What Does It Mean to Be About Our Father's Business?

The Story of 12-Year-Old Jesus

In Luke 2, we find an intriguing account of Jesus at age 12. During the annual Passover trip to Jerusalem, Joseph and Mary accidentally left Jesus behind. When they found him three days later in the temple, Jesus made a remarkable statement: "Did you not know that I must be about my Father's business?" (Luke 2:49).

This wasn't just a clever response from a precocious child. It was a profound declaration of purpose from someone who understood their calling, even at a young age.

How Did Jesus Grow Into His Purpose?

What's encouraging about Jesus's early years is that he didn't have all the answers immediately. Scripture tells us that "the child grew and became strong in spirit, filled with wisdom and the grace of God was upon him" (Luke 2:40). Later, we read that "Jesus increased in wisdom and stature and in favor with God and man" (Luke 2:52).

Even Jesus grew into his understanding of purpose. He developed spiritually, gained wisdom, and increased in favor. This gives us hope that we too can grow into our calling, even when we don't have all the answers right away.

What Does Spiritual Growth Look Like Today?

Expecting Resurrection Power in Dead Areas

There's a powerful truth in the declaration that "dead things come alive in the name of Jesus." This resurrection power isn't just for eternal life—it's available for the dead areas of our lives right now.

What dead areas in your life need resurrection power? Perhaps it's:

• Hope that has been deferred

• A situation you feel you'll never overcome

• Prayers for someone's salvation that seem unanswered

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Embracing a Season of Growth

We are in a season of expecting growth—a time when God is increasing our ability to increase. This means:

• Expecting new life and fresh perspectives

• Anticipating new grace to work in your life

• Trusting that God's word is doing exactly what it needs to do in your heart

Instead of waking up wondering how you'll survive another day, you can expect to wake up with thoughts of hope and purpose. The Spirit of God has equipped us for everything we need to grow and increase.

What Is the Father's Business Really About?

The Heart of the Prodigal Son Story

Jesus often taught through parables, and the story of the Prodigal Son perfectly illustrates the Father's business. This parable features three main characters: two sons and a father.

The younger son became restless and demanded his inheritance early—essentially telling his father "you're dead to me." He wasted everything on self-indulgence, dishonored the family name, and ended up feeding pigs (the most defiling job imaginable for a Jewish person).

The Father's Response to Returning Children

When the prodigal son finally came to his senses and headed home, expecting only to be a servant, something beautiful happened. "While he was still a long way off, his father saw him and felt compassion and ran and embraced him with a kiss" (Luke 15:20).

The father didn't wait for an apology. He didn't make his son prove himself. He ran toward him with open arms, clothed him, put a ring on his finger, and threw a celebration because "this my son was dead and is alive again. He was lost and is found" (Luke 15:24).

The Other Son's Struggle

The older son, who had stayed home and worked faithfully, became angry and jealous. He couldn't understand why his father would celebrate someone who had rejected the family.

Both sons had the same problem: neither truly understood who their father was or recognized their own importance as sons. They both had a place at the table and in the father's house.

How Can We Participate in the Father's Business?

Being Ready for Divine Appointments

The Father's business is about embracing all who would be embraced—the "whosoever would" come. This means being ready for divine appointments and watching for people who are leaning in, wondering if there's a place for them.

Sometimes people don't come running down the aisle. They're simply wondering: "Is there a place for me here? Is this where my real purpose is? Is this my real family?"

Making Room at the Table

Being about the Father's business means being willing to make room at the table, even when it disrupts our perfectly arranged plans. Just like when an unexpected guest shows up at a family dinner, everyone shuffles to make space because what matters most is the embrace, not the perfect arrangement.

Life Application

This week, challenge yourself to actively participate in the Father's business by being ready for divine appointments. Pray daily, "Lord, give me one"—one person to embrace with the Father's love, one opportunity to show grace, one chance to make room at the table.

Ask yourself these questions:

• What dead areas in my life need God's resurrection power?

• Am I growing in wisdom and favor like Jesus did, or am I expecting to have all the answers immediately?

• How can I better recognize and embrace people who are "leaning in" to see if they belong?

• What would it look like for me to make room at my table for someone unexpected?

Remember, we are on track for growth and increase. The same Spirit that raised Jesus from the dead is working in us, bringing life to dead places and increasing our capacity to love like the Father loves. Stay expectant, stay ready, and watch for the divine appointments God has prepared for you.