Had the privilege to preach at service in connection to my cousins baby dedication service. In trying to connect to the occasion, I focused on Luke 2:40 And the child grew and became strong; he was filled with wisdom, and the grace of God was upon him. This was in reference to the young boy Jesus. Read the first 2 chapters in its entirety.
QUICK HITS
1. Even Jesus "grew" up in this world. He went through the stages of life as any person would. He was God but He was man as well. If Jesus had to grow up, we definitely need to grow up. Grow up physically and spiritually. Don't settle for this is enough or I'm at my max ... no, there's more ahead of you, get ready!
2. The child "became" strong in Spirit. The word become shows that there is a process in place. When we become a pro athlete, there was a process of years and years of practice and training and application. When we become a nurse, there was a process of education, testing, evaluation, improvement, etc... When we become a child of God, there is a process to learn about Him, love Him, be tested by Him, and get stronger in His Spirit. If we don't continually exercise our physical muscles we lose our shape, form, and definition. Same way if we don't use our spiritual strength daily we lose the edge the Holy Spirit gives us in battling all the different attacks of Satan. We have to "become" stronger!
3. The child was "filled" with wisdom. Not just knowledge from this world but wisdom from heaven to apply the knowledge in the best way. For an empty pot to be filled with something it must be emptied out. For an empty pot to be filled with something, it must be opened up to receive. We must be open to receive and emptied out of selfish pride to receive God's wisdom. The Bible says if anyone lacks wisdom just ask of God ... He will give it to you. As we get older, we can still learn new things. When we stop learning we stop living!
4. The child was "covered" by grace. For a blanket to cover a person, it will go where the person goes. For a massive sheet of clouds to cover an area of land, it will pour down its rain over that part of land. For God's grace to cover His child, it must be worthy of His grace. God's grace cannot cover someone that is not living a holy life because God's presence is holy. His holiness cannot mix with unholiness. There is a saying, "He will not lead you, where His grace cannot keep you." Let's examine ourselves to ensure His grace and presence is with us in our public and private lives.
Enjoy The Ride,
Cecil
