6 Minute Read + Scripture readings
Today’s Bible Reading:
Genesis 49
Luke 2
Job 15
1 Corinthians 3
Today’s Bible Verse(s):
“And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and with people.”
Luke 2:52 (CSB)
Reflections on Today’s Bible Verse(s):
In our verse for today, doctor Luke gives us the four main areas in which Jesus, as fully-human, made progress. These are four areas in which we can receive blessings from making progress as well.
Intellectually
Luke 2:52 (CSB): “And Jesus increased in wisdom…”
The word used for “wisdom” is a word that means the right application of knowledge. It assumes that knowledge has been attained and is then applied rightly in each circumstance.
You, my friend, can develop intellectually as you read. Increase your knowledge base. Understand how things work. Develop the curiosity of a child and satisfy your hunger with yet more knowledge. And continually ask God (James 1:5) to give you the ability to apply that knowledge humbly and accurately.
Physically
Luke 2:52 (CSB): “And Jesus increased in … stature …”
Jesus’ body was growing as he went from a boy’s body to a man’s body. But, it could also mean that he grew physically strong. From the length of some of the walks He took in the Gospels to His ability to endure the cross like He did leads us to believe that He was probably in really good physical shape. This would make sense if He grew up spending time in Joseph’s line of work as a carpenter.
You, too, can take care of the temple that God has entrusted to you. Take good care of your body, being careful of what and how much you eat. You also need to make sure that you get plenty of aerobic exercise and probably some strength training, too. Just make sure you get the permission of a physician if you are not already taking care of your body.
Spiritually
Luke 2:52 (CSB): “And Jesus increased in … favor with God …”
Jesus, as fully-human, continued to grow in fellowship with His Father. This meant that He spent plenty of time in God’s Word, in prayer, and in moment-by-moment submission to God’s will as He lived each day.
You, too, can and should be growing spiritually. Just observe what Jesus did in the Gospels to grow spiritually and follow His example.
Socially
Luke 2:52 (CSB): “And Jesus increased in … favor … with people.”
While there were times that people hated him (particularly the religious leaders), the masses and the children typically enjoyed being around Him. He was gentle and strong, compassionate, willing to sacrifice for others, able to bring out the best in others, and so much more. People generally loved Him.
You can develop this, too. Just read through the Gospels and observe carefully how Jesus related to people. Look carefully at how people responded to Him. Then seek to mimic Him. After all, if you are saved, He is living within you. So, you need to know how He will lead you to act around others.
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Lord Jesus, thank You for making it clear how I can become more like You. Luke 2:52 makes it so simple regarding the specific areas I need to focus on. Please give me the ability to make great strides in these four areas and become like You. I know that doing so will also be an incredible blessing to me. Thank You! Amen.
Matt’s Musings 