I must be about my Father's business

When the boy Jesus remained in the temple, his parents sought him sorrowing. That is, deeply grieving, anguishing, in torment of mind and soul. But he replied that he was about his Father's business. And this business includes the necessary afflictions that sometimes come to his people. He initiated all of this: his remaining behind, their inability to find him for three days, and  then  their discovery of him. So also does he initiate all of our woes, which are temporary. He hides, he goes away, he leads us to anguish, even as he did during the three days between his death and resurrection; but during this time we, as they did, must seek him. And this trial produces fruit, for this is part of the Father's business, that we may be strengthened. Sermon for Epiphany I, and the video is here.