Verse of the Day 2/2

Luke 2:52   And Jesus increased in wisdom and in stature and in favor with God and man.  English Standard Version (ESV)

Luke chapter 2 contains much of what little information about Jesus' childhood, his "formative years".  We have a glimpse here that at an early age people were amazed at his understanding.  Today's verse gives a short, to the point summary of  what  occurred in those  years.  He increased in wisdom and knowledge, in stature - not merely height or physical presence but respect for who he was, and in "favor" with God and man.  Even though he was not yet known by most as another kid in the neighborhood, his life must have pleased his parents and neighbors and God the Father.

As Christians, we are challenged and encouraged by Peter to "grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord" 2 Peter 3:18.   As Christians, as children of God, we also have formative years.  They may be at an early age or late in life, depending on when we come to know Him and trust Him as our Lord and  Savior.  We may not be able to grow in height physically, but we can put aside bad habits that can take  away from being the best we can be, but we can grow in wisdom and stature and in favor with those around us.  This may start at the home, in the family, and work it's way out to the church, to school to work and in the community.

We may not know when our greatest opportunity will come or  what it may be.  Our challenge our goal, should be continually "grow in the grace and knowledge of  our Lord".  We are to follow Him if we are to be "fishers  of  men", and to be effective fishers of men having increased in wisdom and stature and favor with God and man will be a necessary part.

A starting point may be to look at the list and think of where we need to grow - intellectually, physically, spiritually and socially.  Beyond ourselves, what are we doing in the lives of our kids, grand kids or the  children of our community to see that they will "grow in stature and in favor with God and man".

--   In Christ,  Mike    Folllow the Verse of the Day blog at http://mikesvotd.blogspot.com  Ephesians 1:7 In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins,  in accordance with the riches of God's grace.  NIV    

Luke 2:49-52The Message (MSG)

^49-50 He said, "Why were you looking for me? Didn't you know that I had to be here, dealing with the things of my Father?" But they had no idea what he was talking about.

^51-52 So he went back to Nazareth with them, and lived obediently with them. His mother held these things dearly, deep within herself. And Jesus matured, growing up in both body and spirit, blessed by both God and people.