We remember Jesus’ Bar Mitzvah today. This was Jesus coming of age. All the rites and responsibilities were bestowed upon a Jewish person at age 12/13 after their Bar or Bat Mitzvah. They could marry, hold property, lead worship and be a subject of the law meaning following all the expectations of being Jewish, faithfully Jewish. This included keeping a kosher household, ritual washing and attending the community worship services. Jesus was always faithful. He reflected upon life and applied his faith to his life. This is also our responsibility as adult Christens. Jesus taught a core message for all followers to follow and practice. Paul integrated this into his teaching.
It is best summed up in Col 3: 12-17. "12 As God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience. 13 Bear with one another and, if anyone has a complaint against another, forgive each other; just as the Lord[a] has forgiven you, so you also must forgive. 14 Above all, clothe yourselves with love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony. 15 And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in the one body. And be thankful. 16 Let the word of Christ[b] dwell in you richly; teach and admonish one another in all wisdom; and with gratitude in your hearts sing psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs to God.[c] 17 And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him." As we plan for the new year, let us reflect and pattern our lives on this teaching and apply it day to day I wish you a Happy and Blessed 2019! "
I wish you all a Happy and Blessed 2019!
