Luke 2:39 When Joseph and Mary had done everything required by the Law of the Lord, they returned to Galilee to their own town of Nazareth.

Mary and Joseph knew that they were specially chosen by God and that Mary’s Son was extraordinary, but that didn’t make them think they were exempt from following the rules. It is sadly obvious that throughout history people of special gifting, or particularly of special privilege, have tended to think they were exempt from following the rules. That can be disruptive enough when the rules in question are merely human, but God’s laws are often flouted as well, and that is disastrous. Today, the irony is extreme when we see politicians, whose job is to make laws, consider themselves above the very laws they make, and all too often ignore God’s moral laws completely. Getting closer to home, that’s one reason some pastors’ or missionaries’ children turn out so wild: their parents consider themselves above those they lead, and fail to live out the sermons they preach. Mary and Joseph, on the other hand, set a clear example for Jesus from His infancy, and the rules He broke were strictly man-made accretions to God’s Law, and not the Law itself. Sadly, many parents today set the example of considering rules as something to get around and/or ignore as only applying to “other people.” The results of that in their children are painfully obvious.

Here again I was greatly blessed in my upbringing, with parents who sought to live out the Word of the Lord that they taught. That certainly didn’t mean I didn’t break any rules myself, but it meant the standard was always clear. As a parent and as a pastor, I have tried to live the same way my parents did. Yesterday one of our daughters called to thank us for being unwavering in making God, and the Body of Christ, first priority in our home, despite the rebellion that triggered in our children at times. As a parent herself, she has come to the revelation that the first priority is indeed a right relationship with God, and that modeling/instilling that is the best thing parents can do for their children. She acknowledged that we were not perfect parents, any more than she is, but she wanted to thank us for having our priorities straight. She couldn’t have given us a better Christmas present! I am sharply aware of my own imperfections, yet I am also aware of the authority and responsibility God has placed in me in relation to this church and my wider field of labor. I must never think I am above the rules in any sense, but submit myself to God and to His agents at all times, so that those who look to me may not be led astray.

Father, thank You for the great blessing of that phone call yesterday. Thank You for Your faithfulness to me even when I have been less than faithful myself. Thank You for the experience of walking through the steps and bureaucratic red tape of the church registration. Keep me calm and submitted to You in everything, even when things seem nonsensical. May I trust You and walk in obedience, so that Your purposes may be fulfilled on Your schedule for Your glory. Thank You. Praise God!