This Sunday episode invites us to linger in the temple with young Jesus—curious, present, and profoundly wise at just 12 years old. Anchored in Luke 2:41–52, Pastor David leads a rich conversation on spiritual growth, sacred questions, and the power of being “lost” in God’s presence.

We explore Psalm 27’s cry for refuge and guidance, Numbers 22’s tension between calling and compromise, and Luke’s account of Jesus staying behind in Jerusalem. But it’s more than a Bible study—it’s a communal reflection on parenting, ministry, and the beauty of curiosity.

💡 Key themes include:

• The chiastic structure of Luke’s narrative and the theological weight of Jesus being "found" after three days.
• Wisdom not as knowledge, but what remains after experience and forgetting.
• The tension between letting go and holding close—especially for parents.
• The role of the church as not just a place of proclamation but dialogue and discovery.
• Why we must make space for youth to question, listen, and grow in spiritual identity without fear.

The episode closes with a powerful benediction: a blessing over sacred curiosity and deep listening. And a reminder that sometimes wisdom begins with simply staying still long enough to ask a holy question.

🎧 Tune in, reflect, and walk with us as we find Jesus not in spectacle, but in silence, question, and connection.

To support or join the journey, visit zionempowered.com Grace and peace.

In this week’s episode, we journey through the Old Testament reading of Chukot, exploring the profound themes of leadership, faith, obedience, transitions, mourning, and celebration. Together, we reflect on how God’s instructions shape our spiritual life, hold leaders accountable, and guide us through seasons of change.

We uncover how moments of mourning still demand faithfulness, why celebration is essential even in hard times, and how Old Testament narratives often foreshadow the truths fulfilled in Christ. As always, we emphasize the beauty of community and recognizing God's sacred presence in ordinary places.

Takeaways

• Leadership is held to a higher standard by God.
• Transitions and seasons of mourning can be painful, but they cultivate growth.
• Faithfulness means striving to obey, even after setbacks.
• God’s calls to purification are ultimately about healing and restoration.
• Celebrating amidst trials strengthens our spiritual resilience.
• The Old Testament continually whispers of New Testament redemption.
• Community and fellowship are indispensable for spiritual health.
• Mourning affects us deeply, but accountability and God’s mission remain.
• Praise has the power to lift us above our circumstances.
• God transforms ordinary spaces into holy ground when we acknowledge Him.

“God wants us to take time to heal.” “

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Opening Remarks 02:31 Exploring the Old Testament Reading: Chukot 12:58 Leadership and Accountability in Scripture 24:25 The Role of Faith and Obedience 38:15 Transitions and Mourning in Leadership 44:50 Celebration Amidst Trials 48:54 Closing Thoughts and Prayer

We’d love for you to join us in this sacred conversation. Share your thoughts, testimonies, or prayer needs at ZionEmpowered.com.

Don’t walk this journey alone—invite a friend or loved one to listen along. Let’s grow together in faith, accountability, and joy.