And the Child grew and became strong in spirit, filled with wisdom; and the grace (favor and spiritual blessing) of God was upon Him. Luke 2:40 AMPC
Yesterday we continued unwrapping our 2022 Theme of Enabling Grace. We have learned that John 1:17 tells us that grace and truth came through Jesus Christ, which tells us Jesus is grace Himself. This is confirmed in Luke 2:40 that tells us Jesus grew in grace, wisdom and favor with both God and man. Jesus came to be our example so He could show us the amazing life those who have accepted Him and His sacrifice can live. Grace has been given to each of us who have received His forgiveness and it is grace that enables us to achieve the otherwise impossible. His grace is enabled in us by the power of Holy Spirit.
In Matthew 3:17 when Jesus received Holy Spirit at His baptism, He showed the power that we too receive when we accept His Salvation. It was at this time we learned what truly pleases the heart of God, and that is accepting His Son and Holy Spirit. Remember at this time, Jesus was just beginning His ministry and for thirty years we know next to nothing except that we are told He was grwoing in grace, wisdom and favor. Yet, when he came up out of the Jordan River from baptism, God’s voice from heaven said, “This is My beloved Son in whom I am well pleased.” So why was God so pleased with Him?
I believe the answer is found in the Scriptures that tell us that Jesus went away to pray often to His Father in heaven, sometimes all night. Along with those that tell us He only wanted to do His Father’s will. Jesus was called His Beloved Son with whom He was well pleased, because He was in close relationship with Him and wanted to please Him. Jesus became the perfect example of what an intimate relationship with God can produce. One where the schemes and power of the enemy are disarmed and dismantled and no longer have dominion over us.
Tomorrow we will look at two sisters in the Scriptures that paint a picture of the different types of relationships we can have with the Lord. And they ask the question, where is your focus?
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