Keep Growing

December 30

(Luke 2:52 NIV) "And Jesus grew in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and men."

(1 Peter 2:2-3 NIV) "Like newborn babies, crave pure spiritual milk, so that by it you may grow up in your salvation, {3} now that you have tasted that the Lord is good."

(Ephesians 4:11-15 NIV)  "It was he who gave some to be apostles, some to be prophets, some to be evangelists, and some to be pastors and teachers, {12} to prepare God's people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up {13} until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ. {14} Then we will no longer be infants, tossed back and forth by the waves, and blown here and there by every wind of teaching and by the cunning and craftiness of men in their deceitful scheming. {15} Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will in all things grow up into him who is the Head, that is, Christ."

Luke sums up approximately eighteen years of Christ’s life in one verse. He tells us that from age twelve until about the age of thirty, Jesus grew in wisdom and stature -- physical stature, and spiritual stature. He also grew in favor with God, and with the people around Him. His Father treasured Him and was well pleased with Him, and His neighbors grew to respect Him deeply. Jesus kept growing until the day He died. So it should be with those who belong to Him. We who call ourselves disciples are called to keep growing until the day of our last breath. You have tasted the Lord. Now, crave his word, so that you can grow up in your salvation. Through prayer and Scripture, continuously expand your knowledge of Jesus, so that you may become mature. Fill yourself with the fullness of Christ. Grow up into Him. This is one of the best ways to have a happy new year. -- Friar Tuck’s Word of the Day