THE STORY OF JESUS: Luke 2:36-40
“The child grew and became strong; He was filled with wisdom, and the grace of God was on Him.” (Luke 2:40)
Anna knew little about this child, except that He was God’s promise fulfilled!
She sensed something in Jesus that filled her heart with hope and joy.
What was Jesus like as a child, since He was without sin.
Was He ‘the perfect child’ for Joseph and Mary, ‘an angel’?
Jesus wasn’t born with God’s knowledge or wisdom, He had to learn it.
He made mistakes, He discovered wisdom through experience, trial and error.
But His heart was not selfish, He was not inclined to lie, cheat or steal.
It must have been challenging for Jesus, and His family, and childhood friends.
People would have sensed something – the grace of God in Him.
As followers of Jesus, we are not sinless, but we can grow like the child Jesus.
We can grow and become strong, increasingly filled with wisdom, with God’s grace on us.
For Jesus, and for us, this is not passive growth, something that just happens to us.
We need to actively seek growth and wisdom, learn through experience, trial and error.
We need to rely on the Spirit, and pay attention to God’s revelation.
People should sense something about us as well – the grace of God in us.
Are we ask Christians growing more and more like this, like Jesus, like the disciples?
Are we growing and becoming strong, increasingly filled with wisdom, with God’s grace on us?
What do you sense the Lord saying to you?
PRAYER
Lord, You were unique in Your sinlessness. But like You, I need to learn and grow in wisdom and grace. Ignite in me the devotion of Anna, that I may eagerly seek and receive Your character and wisdom.
Observations/Application
Anna – the third witness after the shepherds and Simeon.
Hope.
Anna was a person of hope looking forward to the Christ child. Not only looking but also praying, worshiping and fasting. Being diligent. And even as she aged, she remained faithful to the promises of God. God’s timing is everything and she was faithful and a faithful witness serving her God.
And I, I too need to place my trust on the promises of God and remain a faithful servant, a living witness to all those around me.
1
Standing on the promises of Christ my King,
Through eternal ages let His praises ring,
Glory in the highest, I will shout and sing,
Standing on the promises of God.
Standing, standing,
Standing on the promises of God my Savior;
Standing, standing,
I’m standing on the promises of God.
2
Standing on the promises that cannot fail,
When the howling storms of doubt and fear assail,
By the living Word of God I shall prevail,
Standing on the promises of God.
3
Standing on the promises I now can see
Perfect, present cleansing in the blood for me;
Standing in the liberty where Christ makes free,
Standing on the promises of God.
4
Standing on the promises of Christ the Lord,
Bound to Him eternally by love’s strong cord,
Overcoming daily with the Spirit’s sword,
Standing on the promises of God.
5
Standing on the promises I shall not fall,
List’ning every moment to the Spirit’s call.
Resting in my Savior as my All in all,
Standing on the promises of God.