The child grew and became strong, filled with wisdom; and the favor of God was upon him. Jesus grew in strength. Jesus was known as the author and finisher of the faith, who

for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising its shame.  His strength consisted in obeying and doing God’s will for his life. Obedience to God produces strength.  Also, spiritual joy—the joy of the Lord—produces strength.

• Each of us should resolve to grow in spiritual strength in 2012.
• We should do so as individuals and as a corporate body (worship, prayer, personal and corporate devotion, giving what we have, serving others, obeying the teachings of Jesus.)

Jesus increased in wisdom. The one childhood mention that we have of Jesus locates him in the temple engaged in dialogue with the teachers and scribes (Luke. 2:41-52).  The child exhibited a caliber and degree of wisdom that could only be God-given.  Wisdom was highly regarded in antiquity as the foremost spiritual quality and virtue.  Every other virtue or character trait was considered to have emanated from wisdom, including integrity, character, strength, knowledge, leadership ability and so on.

As followers of the way of Christ who are guided by the Spirit, the Holy Spirit guides us in the way of wisdom.  Also, the teachings of the Holy Bible provide us a bounty of wisdom that is unsurpassed by any other book, or any other teaching, or any other philosophy, because its teachings are inspired by God.  The ancients encouraged growth in wisdom (cf. Proverb 4:5-7): Get wisdom; get insight: do not forget, nor turn away from the words of my mouth.  Do not forsake her and she will keep you; love her, and she will guard you. The beginning of wisdom is this;  Get wisdom, and whatever you do, get understanding/insight.

• Let each of us seek to increase in spiritual wisdom in 2012.
• We do so most effectively by studying the Holy Bible, through prayer, and meditating on its teachings, and there is great value in listening more than we speak.
• We may also increase in wisdom as a Congregation.  We do so not only by corporate study and by prayer, but also by asking, “what does past experience have to teach us with respect to obedience to God’s word?”

God’s favor was upon his life. In more than one instance Luke states that Jesus increased in both Divine favor and human favor.  God said of Him, this is my beloved Son with whom I am well pleased.  Jesus received God’s favor because He acknowledged the Father in all his ways, and in return the Heavenly Father directed his footsteps.   Do you know that more doors can open in your life as a result of God’s favor, than as a result of your efforts?  Favor cannot be bought, but it is granted freely in response to spiritual graces and virtues exuded by the individual.

• He increased in favor with others because he exuded wisdom, joy, and spiritual strength.
• He behaved as though he had some sense, and folk took a liking to him.
• Let us seek God’s favor as individuals and as a church in 2012.

Happy New Year and may God’s choice blessings be with you throughout 2012!