Did you not know that I must be about My Father’s business? Luke 2:49.

When Jesus was twelve, His parents found Him in the Temple courts in Jerusalem sitting among the teachers. Everyone who heard Him was amazed at His understanding and His answers. Luke 2:47. And then when Jesus began His ministry He went to everyday people and began to teach. They, too, were amazed at His understanding and answers. Do we ever think that we, too, need to be about our Father’s business? His love, His wisdom, His guidance and His drawing us near to Him. Creator God – Father…Son…Spirit…is about His love for us. He longs for us to choose wisdom He freely gives. He longs for us to trust Him. He longs for us to turn to Him and confess our need for Him and He is there.

Our chapter, Proverbs 23, continues with words of wisdom Solomon gave to his son. Apply your heart to instruction and your ears to words of knowledge…Listen, my son, and be wise, and set your heart on the right path…v. 12, 19. He warns against those who are rich in money yet miserly with love for others, against drunkenness that leads to strife, bruises, bloodshot eyes, and wasting away in what is fruitless. What kind of fruit is our life bearing? Are we listening to God and drawing near to Him? Are we growing in trust in His love for us? Do we give thought to His love and provision for us? Do we consider God’s ways when we see the evil in this world? If Jesus sat among us today and began to teach, how would we receive Him? Would our lives be changed?

God’s love, His business, draws us near when we are ready to listen and respond. Being near to Him brings us His peace and His hope and His love. When we are ready to receive, His wisdom speaks to our hearts and minds hungering for His truth. In His love is clarity and hope and joy and a path we can walk with Him. Listen when He whispers and let Him draw you near and be with Him. He’s here. Always.