Luk 2:42 And when He was twelve years old, they went up to Jerusalem according to the custom of the feast.
Luk 2:43 When they had finished the days, as they returned, the boy Jesus lingered behind in Jerusalem. And Joseph and His mother did not know it;
Luk 2:44 but supposing Him to have been in the company, they went a day’s journey, and sought Him among their relatives and acquaintances.
Luk 2:45 So when they did not find Him, they returned to Jerusalem, seeking Him.
Luk 2:46 Now so it was that after three days they found Him in the temple, sitting in the midst of the teachers, both listening to them and asking them questions.
Luk 2:47 And all who heard Him were astonished at His understanding and answers.
Luk 2:48 So when they saw Him, they were amazed; and His mother said to Him, “Son, why have You done this to us? Look, Your father and I have sought You anxiously.”
Luk 2:49 And He said to them, “Why did you seek Me? Did you not know that I must be about My Father’s business?”
Good day people of God!
God has truly been good to us this year despite everything that has transpired in the earth! Now here we are in the month of December preparing to transition into a new year soon! The twelfth month is the last month, and marks the completion of a year or season.
Question: What have you learned in this season or year? What did you accomplish? What did you complete? What goals, visions, aspirations or plans do you have for the next year? Now is the time to begin writing that vision for the new season and year ahead of us! For a vision template visit the FFCF website: VISION Template 2021 – Firm Foundation Christian Fellowship (firmfoundationcf.org)
What must we do, today and going forward for 2021, endeavor to be about the Fathers’ business! Jesus at an early age, specifically at 12 years old, knew that it was time to do the Fathers will!
Today, follow the example of Jesus, let us purpose in our heart and endeavor to do the Father’s (Yahweh’s) will and be about his business in Jesus name!
Isn’t it interesting that Jesus said, “I must be about my fathers business” at twelve years old? There is a revelational reason behind this! Let’s take a look!
When we look in the Bible, the number twelve is powerful and representative of governmental perfection, completeness of growth, or governmental administration. It is the mark and signature of Israel. Twelve tribes, twelve disciples, and twelve Apostles! Twelve is the number for government by divine appointment.
In Matt 19:28, the Bible records, ” So Jesus said to them, “Assuredly I say to you, that in the regeneration, when the Son of Man sits on the throne of His glory, you who have followed Me will also sit on twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel. “
Twelve can be found in 187 places in God’s word. (Bible) The book of Revelation alone has 22 occurrences of the number. The meaning of 12, which is considered a perfect number, symbolizes God’s power and authority, as well as serving as a perfect governmental foundation. It can also symbolize completeness or the nation of Israel as a whole.
For example, Jacob (Israel) had twelve sons, each of which represented a tribe begun by a prince, for 12 princes total. Ishmael, who was born to Abraham through Hagar, also had twelve princes.
God specified that twelve unleavened cakes of bread be placed every week in the temple with frankincense next to each of the two piles that were to be made. The priests were commanded to change the bread every Sabbath day (Leviticus 24).
There were twelve judges in the Old Testament! The Book of Judges mentions twelve leaders who judged Israel: Othniel, Ehud, Shamgar, Deborah, Gideon, Tola, Jair, Jephthah, Ibzan, Elon, Abdon, and Samson.
Christ called and choose twelve men who became disciples to bear witness to what he did, and to spread the good news of the gospel to the entire world. After he was raised from the dead, Jesus told the eleven disciples (Judas had killed himself) that God had given him ALL power and authority in both earth and heaven (God’s divine authority – Matthew 28:18).
Twelve thousand from each tribe of Israel (144,000 total) will receive salvation during the end time’s Great Tribulation (Revelation 7). A set of 144,000 (12 x 12,000), possibly the same as those in chapter 7, will be taken from earth in order to serve and follow the Lamb of God (Revelation 14:1 – 5). Christ’s bride in Revelation 12, the church, wears a crown containing twelve stars.
The New Jerusalem, which is made in heaven and brought to the earth by God himself, contains 12 gates made of pearl which are each manned by an angel. Over each gate will be one of the names of Israel’s twelve tribes. The walls are 144 cubits high (12 multiplied by itself – Revelation 21:16 – 17), with the city itself being 12,000 furlongs square.
The twelve patriarchs from and including Shem (one of Noah’s sons saved in the Ark) to Jacob (Israel) are Shem, Arphaxad, Salah, Heber, Peleg, Reu, Serug, Nahor, Terah, Abraham, Isaac and Jacob.
Solomon appointed twelve officers over Israel in 1 Kings 4:7, ” And Solomon had twelve governors over all Israel, who provided food for the king and his household; each one made provision for one month of the year.”
The high priest’s breastplate, also called the breast-plate of decision, had twelve stones embedded in it. Each stone represented a tribe of Israel. The Urim and Thummim were part of the High Priest’s breastplate. They were primarily used to consult God regarding important matters (1Samuel 28: 3 – 6, Numbers 27:21 and so on). Both the first century historian Josephus and the Talmud identify the Urim and Thummim with the breastplate stones.
Jesus said at his request, the Father would send twelve legions of angels. Matt 26:53
There was a woman who was healed with an issue of blood after being sick twelve years! Matt 9:20-22
In the book of revelation we read of a woman with a crown of twelve stars, Rev 12:1
The new Jerusalem has twelve gates, and at the gates twelve angels, It has twelve foundations, and in them the names of the twelve apostles of the lamb! Rev 21:12-14
The Biblical number of God’s government is 12, symbolized through Jesus Christ and the Kingdom of God, prophesied by Isaiah the Prophet:
Isa 9:6 For unto us a Child is born, Unto us a Son is given; and the GOVERNMENT will be upon His shoulder. And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
Isa 9:7 Of the increase of His GOVERNMENT and peace There will be no end, Upon the throne of David and over His kingdom, To order it and establish it with judgment and justice From that time forward, even forever. The zeal of the Lord of hosts will perform this.
So in this twelfth month, don’t wait until next year. Seek the Lord now, and draw near to him so they everything that God has purposed in his Word concerning you and your family will come to pass!
God bless, Pastor Quinn
References:
1. Holy Bible, KJV, NKJV
2. Biblical Mathematics: Keys to Scriptural Numerics – Evangelist Ed. F. Vallowe
3. Number in Scripture – E.W. Bullinger