And the Child grew, and waxed strong in spirit, filled with wisdom: and the grace of God was upon Him.
Luke 2:40 (KJV)
The Biblical meaning of Grace is: The spontaneous, undeserved gift of God’s divine favour in the salvation of sinners, and the divine influence operating in individuals for their regeneration (second birth) and salvation.
Luke 2: 52 adds: “And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favour with God, and man.”
How can we be like Jesus, and grow in favour with God? First of all, we have to have enough faith to acknowledge Him, and to accept that He is Sovereign. Hebrews 11:6 says, “But without faith, it is impossible to please Him: for he that cometh to God must believe that He is (God) and that He is a rewarder of them that diligently seek Him.”
We can seek God by communicating with Him as often as possible; that is, being always ready to listen to, and speak with Him. We can seek God by meditating on His Word.
We can seek God by wholly carrying out His commands. Not just the ones we like or agree with. Not just the ones that are convenient for us, or cost us little. All of His commands. Jesus taught us how to do that, when in broken humanness, He prayed for the “cup” to pass Him by, and a moment later yielded with the words, “Nevertheless, not My will but Thine be done.” (Matthew 26:39)
We also seek God by showing His love to others. The same love that The Father has shown to us, by sending His Son to die in our place. The love that He shows by sending His Holy Spirit to live within us; to lead us into all truth, to empower us, and to preserve us until the return of Jesus Christ our Lord.
When we show that same love to others, we will, like our Lord and Saviour, grow in favour with God and with man; just like Jesus did.
PRAYER:
Father God, we acknowledge You as Sovereign King. Lord, there is none like You. None can be compared to You; so loving and merciful. Today, we ask that You forgive us for doubting You, and we promise that with the help of Your Holy Spirit, we will listen and obey You in all things. We pray for strength as we continue to grow in favour with You, and our fellow men. In the Name of The Father, The Son, and The Holy Ghost. Amen.
Read: Psalm 1:2; Matthew 26:37-39; Galatians 2:20; Ephesians 5:2
Bible Reading Guide: Proverbs 12:28; Proverbs 13:1-9; John 14; 1 Samuel 14:24-52; 1 Samuel 15
