Growth In The Word of God Daily Devotions

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 28, 2022

TEXT: Luke 2:36-52

36. There was also a prophet, Anna the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher. She was of a great age, having lived with her husband seven years after her marriage,

37. then as a widow to the age of eighty-four. She never left the temple but worshiped there with fasting and prayer night and day.

38. At that moment she came, and began to praise God and to speak about the child to all who were looking for the redemption of Jerusalem.

39. When they had finished everything required by the law of the Lord, they returned to Galilee, to their own town of Nazareth.

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

41. Now every year his parents went to Jerusalem for the festival of the Passover.

42. And when he was twelve years old, they went up as usual for the festival.

43. When the festival was ended and they started to return, the boy Jesus stayed behind in Jerusalem, but his parents did not know it.

44. Assuming that he was in the group of travelers, they went a day’s journey. Then they started to look for him among their relatives and friends.

45. When they did not find him, they returned to Jerusalem to search for him.

46. After three days they found him in the temple, sitting among the teachers, listening to them and asking them questions.

47. And all who heard him were amazed at his understanding and his answers.

48. When his parents saw him they were astonished; and his mother said to him, “Child, why have you treated us like this? Look, your father and I have been searching for you in great anxiety.”

49. He said to them, “Why were you searching for me? Did you not know that I must be in my Father’s house?”

50. But they did not understand what he said to them.

51. Then he went down with them and came to Nazareth, and was obedient to them. His mother treasured all these things in her heart.

52. And Jesus increased in wisdom and in and in years, and in divine and human favor.

(New Revised Standard Version Holy Bible)

TOPIC: MEET CHRIST, THE GIVER OF WISDOM

The Oxford Advanced Learner’s Dictionary defines wisdom as the “ability to make sensible decisions and give good advice because of the experience and knowledge that you have.” But the Holy Bible declares that true wisdom comes from God (Proverbs 2:6).

Therefore, although it involves observation and instruction, wisdom really begins with God and one’s faith in Him as Lord and Savior (Proverbs 1:7; Job 28:28; Psalm 26).

The wisdom referred to in today’s devotion concentrates on the spiritual and not the natural. The wisdom of Christ is spiritual and superior to carnal wisdom (1 Corinthians 1:20, 21). Jesus Christ is the owner and giver of wisdom.

Since childhood, He was identified to be full of wisdom (v. 40). And His deep wisdom was manifested and demonstrated in vs. 46-48 during the feast of Passover when He was in the temple with His parents. He had a special duty or service to perform in the temple. His listeners marveled at His great wisdom (vs. 46, 47) which also surprised His parents.

Such wisdom guides us about how to live a life that glorifies God and builds up the saints (James 3:13, 17). Most times, we fail because we use human wisdom, neglecting the only wise Father and giver of wisdom. The church today needs both leaders and members that have godly wisdom and use it for spiritually guiding, leading, correcting and building.

QUESTION: What is the source of your wisdom?

PRAYER: Dear Lord, grant me Your divine wisdom so as to glorify You through my life and service, in Jesus name, Amen.