January 10, 2009

The child grew and became strong, filled with wisdom; and the favor of God was upon him.

Luke 2: 40



Yesterday we looked at how John was strong in spirit, possibly a child in high spirits. Today we see that Jesus was simply strong. Instead of spirited, he was wise. I guess when I hear the word strong I think of being physically strong and in being wise I think of maturity and intelligence. So, unlike John, who seems more like a geek, I see Jesus as being highly popular. I see Jesus as someone whom everyone likes but not someone who manipulates others to be well-liked. Whereas John may have been someone who got on everyone's nerves, Jesus was more like a calming influence. Okay, so that may be a stretch and too much of Amelia's viewpoint, but that is how I see it.



Too bad I relate more to John that to Jesus. As someone who has always been a bit of a weakling (who did the other third graders call over in "Red Rover"?), I am not physically strong. I wish I could claim wisdom and maturity but I am afraid that my strong spirit takes over just about every time. Does this mean that God is absent from me or that I am a lost case? Does God favor me at all? My mind says "Of course!" but I still hesitate to answer "Yes!"

How about you? Do you say that God favors you? Are you strong, wise and mature? Or are you strong spirited? Thank God that the scripture says Jesus was growing - maybe we can too!

God, help us to grow in wisdom and Christ-like maturity, not to gain your favor which we already have, but to strengthen our relationship with You. Amen.