Luke 2:40 And the child grew and became strong; he was filled with wisdom, and the grace of God was upon him.
Jesus’ childhood remains somewhat of a mystery. Many have speculated on the boy Jesus, but the truth is, we really don’t know much about his early life. We know that when he was an infant, his father Joseph took his family and fled to Egypt. And we know that at some point, they came back to Nazareth.
But although we don’t know the details of Jesus’ childhood, this verse tells us the important thing. Jesus grew to be strong – both physically and spiritually. We know he was physically strong, for he surely was trained in Joseph’s trade – carpentry.
Just as His earthly father helped Jesus develop physical strength, Jesus’ heavenly Father helped Him develop spiritual strength. Jesus stayed close to His Father, and because of that, He grew wise. Because of that, God’s grace was upon Him.
There was no miraculous formula. We can all grow, just like Jesus did. Every single one of us, if we spend hours a day in physical exercise, will build our muscles. And every one of us, if we stay close to our heavenly Father, will develop wisdom. We will find grace with our Father, just by daily drawing near to Him.
James 1:5 tells us that if anyone lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault. God’s wisdom and favor wasn’t reserved only for Jesus. As we follow His example by staying close to the Father, and by asking for His guidance in all things, we will be filled with wisdom, just like Jesus. And just like Jesus, we will find God’s grace upon us.
Dear Father, Thank You for giving Your wisdom and grace to all who seek You and stay close to You. Please help me to grow in wisdom, and to find your favor, just like Jesus.
Amen
For a second cup, see: 1 Samuel 2:26; Luke 1:80; Luke 2:52
Great post again, Renae! I think I often take this for granted, that I can call on God for wisdom… Lord, help me! Lord, show me what to do! Give me wisdom! What an amazing thing that we can do this and that our God wants to give us wisdom! (And I guess tonight it seems to me that it is just as amazing that He does it without finding fault. After I have messed up and need wisdom, He gives it without finding fault. That is so much like Him and so not like me…)
Yea. That’s what I want – to grow up to be just like Jesus. I’m so looking forward to meeting you someday, Renae. At some conference or workshop, or maybe we’ll bump into each other at a rest stop along some interstate highway somewhere.
Or maybe it will be on streets of gold that we meet.
Blessings,
Jean
http://www.jeanmatthewhall.blogspot.com
Hi Jeanette! Yes, that is just like God, and so NOT like me, too! I’m so glad he keeps giving and giving.
And Jean, wouldn’t that be something, to just bump into each other somewhere? That would be just like our wonderful Father, wouldn’t it?
Wherever we meet, I’m going to give you a big hug, my friend!
Dear Renae,
Actually I don’t feel very wise these days. More like exhausted and why can’t the others do something too?
I am lucky to be over at morning coffee with you.
To get my focus altered.
I just have to keep on doing what needs to be done as far as God gives me grace and wisdom, and let Him take care of the rest.
From Felisol
Praying for energy and strength for you, my friend. You keep going, keep doing. I know He’ll help you.