Word for the day by Christian Education Forum
GROW IN THE DIVINE WISDOM
St. Luke 2:41-52
V 52: “And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and men”
It is rightly said – prayerful parents produce prayerful children and prayerful children produce promising ministry.
As verse 52 attests, Jesus did not spring fully-formed from the womb, but grew. Here we see Jesus, at age twelve, coming to grips with his identity and calling. He has been at home in Nazareth with Mary and Joseph, but now, in the temple, he feels the pull of his special vocation. “I must,” he says. “It is necessary.” This will not be the last time that his vocation creates problems for his earthly family (8:19-21. See also 12:53; 14:26). He is not being disrespectful to his parents, but his greater obligation is to his Father in heaven. “I must be in my Father’s house?”
This verse tells us that Jesus grew in four dimensions, each of which is essential to a well-balanced person: (1) Wisdom goes beyond knowledge of facts to an understanding, not just of what is, but of what counts. (2) “Stature” connotes both physical stature and spiritual maturity. (3) Divine favor involves relationship with God. (4) Human favor involves relationships with other people.
The fact that Jesus increased in each of these dimensions shows that he had room to grow. The church will later emphasize that Jesus was fully God and fully human. Being fully human means that Jesus began life with the limitations of an infant. He grew to become a twelve-year-old boy, and later grew some more to become a man.
Wisdom will help us to succeed in what we do. It shows us how to live. The more responsibility we have, the more of God’s wisdom we need in order to do what is right. It will preserve us from trouble and disaster and will give us a more fulfilling life. Spiritual wisdom allows us to know the difference between what the Bible says is wise and what the world claims to be wise. It protects from evil. God promises to give wisdom to anyone who asks. Giving God first place in our life is a prerequisite for God’s guidance. Asking God for wisdom is a hollow request if we are not willing to let God rule in our heart. Wisdom comes from having a relationship with God. Obedience to God’s word – his commands, laws, and teachings – will make us wise. We find wisdom in the context of a relationship with God. When we are willing to be the learner, the Holy Spirit is willing to be our Teacher. We find wisdom when we seek it single-mindedly and wholeheartedly. Like many of the best things in life, to find wisdom we must pursue it. Wisdom often comes to us through the counsel of thoughtful, godly people. God’s Word is an unending source of wisdom for those who apply themselves to study it.
As verse 52 attests, Jesus did not spring fully-formed from the womb, but grew. Here we see Jesus, at age twelve, coming to grips with his identity and calling. He has been at home in Nazareth with Mary and Joseph, but now, in the temple, he feels the pull of his special vocation. “I must,” he says. “It is necessary.” This will not be the last time that his vocation creates problems for his earthly family (8:19-21. See also 12:53; 14:26). He is not being disrespectful to his parents, but his greater obligation is to his Father in heaven. “I must be in my Father’s house?”
This verse tells us that Jesus grew in four dimensions, each of which is essential to a well-balanced person: (1) Wisdom goes beyond knowledge of facts to an understanding, not just of what is, but of what counts. (2) “Stature” connotes both physical stature and spiritual maturity. (3) Divine favor involves relationship with God. (4) Human favor involves relationships with other people.
The fact that Jesus increased in each of these dimensions shows that he had room to grow. The church will later emphasize that Jesus was fully God and fully human. Being fully human means that Jesus began life with the limitations of an infant. He grew to become a twelve-year-old boy, and later grew some more to become a man.
Wisdom will help us to succeed in what we do. It shows us how to live. The more responsibility we have, the more of God’s wisdom we need in order to do what is right. It will preserve us from trouble and disaster and will give us a more fulfilling life. Spiritual wisdom allows us to know the difference between what the Bible says is wise and what the world claims to be wise. It protects from evil. God promises to give wisdom to anyone who asks. Giving God first place in our life is a prerequisite for God’s guidance. Asking God for wisdom is a hollow request if we are not willing to let God rule in our heart. Wisdom comes from having a relationship with God. Obedience to God’s word – his commands, laws, and teachings – will make us wise. We find wisdom in the context of a relationship with God. When we are willing to be the learner, the Holy Spirit is willing to be our Teacher. We find wisdom when we seek it single-mindedly and wholeheartedly. Like many of the best things in life, to find wisdom we must pursue it. Wisdom often comes to us through the counsel of thoughtful, godly people. God’s Word is an unending source of wisdom for those who apply themselves to study it.
Prayer
O Lord, the source of wisdom, give us the insight to see you, the knowledge to understand you and the vision to follow you. In Jesus’ name. Amen
Thought for the Day
“Knowing yourself is the beginning of all wisdom.”
― Aristotle
Rev. Samson Samuel
Vicar, St. Thomas MTC, Nashik Road