Growing In The Lord

-December 28, 2022-

Good morning, happy Tuesday,

“And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and men” (Luke 2:52).

“But grow in grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To Him be the glory both now and forever. Amen” (2 Peter 3:18).

Today’s text is the last reference to a young Jesus. After Mary and Joseph came back from Jerusalem to Nazareth He was subject to them. Imagine, the King, the Christ, the Ruler of all, was obedient to his parents and to God His Father. He lived under the authority of His parents. What wonderful and amazing verses we find in Hebrews 5:8-9, “Though He was a Son, yet He learned obedience by the things which He suffered. And having been perfected, He became the author of eternal salvation to all who obey Him.”

Jesus as a young lad increased in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and men. Bible teacher, writer, and preacher William MacDonald commented, “And we have the true humanity and normal growth of our Lord depicted: His mental growth – increased in wisdom; His physical growth – and stature; His spiritual growth – in favor with God; and His social growth – in favor with men.”

The growth that our Savior needed is the same that we as His followers need as well. Peter tells to “grow in grace and knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ…” Every genuine believer should be making spiritual progress every year, every week, and every day. John Bunyan wrote his beautiful allegory entitled, Pilgrim’s Progress.” In it he traces the life of Pilgrim who came to the cross and his burden of sin rolled off his back. Then he began his journey as Christian, who headed off to the Celestial City. On his way he encounters many obstacles and trials. He grows through all his experiences just as we do.

As believers we should grow in faith, knowledge, understanding, wisdom, love, humility, and obedience. Sometimes our progress may seem slow but that is fine as long as make steady progress. We must learn the lessons God has to teach us. The world is our classroom, the Bible is our text book, and the Holy Spirit is our teacher. It is a school that we will never graduate from until we get to heaven.

Let us thank God for the example of Jesus how grew and follow His same pattern. Have a blessed day growing in the Lord. Stay safe and healthy.

Growing in Lord to be more like Jesus,

Dean