Take and Seal It

Take and Seal It

Theology in the Trenches

by Kathleen Kjolhaug

The young man made his way through the market in Jerusalem. As the throngs pressed in, his senses became even more invigorated this early morn. You see, he was not quite a teen as of yet…twelve years old to be exact…and this was his first rendezvous alone. Nobody had given him permission to be where he was this particular day. Or did they? According to his parents, they had not, and sooner than later he would be called home. But until then, he was enjoying himself immensely.

The smell of chicken on the open fire came alive as the vendors nearby motioned for him to partake. Cage-free they were as those not chosen as of yet still ran helter-skelter in sync with the crowd. That’s exactly how he was feeling today…alive and free. Digging deeply into his pockets he noted he had coins enough to buy a small portion of that which they offered and for this he was grateful.

Even more grateful he was that the pocket in which he’d hidden them was still intact…unlike an earlier episode, he recalled. Once, a while back, he had discovered money missing that had been entrusted into one of his pockets for safekeeping. Hard-earned it had been as with his father he did work. Once payment for the carpentry he’d assisted with had been given, he was so eager to show his mama that he’d forgotten which pocket was which. Upon instinct, he placed it in the pocket nearest the fist which held the coins. When he went to dig it out, it was nowhere to be found. There was nothing except the hole which now bottomed out the hope he had once held. Betrayed he felt by his inability to remember that the hole was there…but there was nothing he could do now but feel the loss.

Compassion was shown, but to his rescue, they did not come. They knew well their role, and rescuer was not one that would help develop the One he was to become. Today was good though, as the coins were still where he had tucked them for safekeeping.

He made his way through the crowds. With the many temptations before him, he managed to stay focused. That was a miracle in itself. You see, his friends had been given freedom a bit more often than he so out and about they were today looking quite confident. Once they caught sight of him, eager they were to tempt him to follow their folly. He, however, made mention that he need be about his Father’s business and that was that. Off they ran leaving him to do just that.

As his footsteps were ordered long ago, he soon made his way to the temple. 

His heart leapt with joy…just like his mama’s had done years back when someone…who was that? He couldn’t quite recall the story told him. Something about someone named Simeon…was it? Or was it Anna? Or both? It was all a blur and he wasn’t sure, but somehow this place felt like home…and so he stayed.

The pre-teen stayed alright. For three days to be exact he listened and learned with the wisest among them as all shared well into the night. They cared for the young boy as their own as his eyes, windows to the soul were lit with each word spoken. Partake they did, too, of the words spoken by the young boy who appeared wise beyond his years. Like bread broken with each word spoken they partook.

Jesus was his name and soon, Mary and Joseph would be on the lookout for he who had been missing from their side. At first sight, they were relieved that he didn’t appear to be running wild. That, of course, was not a surprise. True to his character he remained...leaving a rich inheritance for all to follow.

Like Jesus, equip us with the ability to listen to Your voice when You call.  Lord, we make our plans … please order our footsteps (Psalm 37:23).  Amen.