Jesus is the Messiah, someone please inform the Jewish people. They have been looking for Him for hundreds of years and yet, He was born of a virgin, a baby boy who was laid in a manger in Israel 2K years ago. He grew as a child into a man who would live a perfect life and die a perfect death, temporary at best, but as a necessary sacrifice for the sin of humanity. All this is true about Jesus, He is the one true Messiah who will save any and all who call upon His name for salvation; beginning with the Jews, but also for all Gentiles. (Romans 1:16)
In Luke 2, we see the account of Christ’ birth as recorded by Luke. He tells of the shepherds and the hosts of heaven who manifested to them in the night sky, telling them of the Savior’s birth. We see how Jesus was circumcised on the 8th day, and He was presented in the temple according to the law of Moses. Both Simeon and Anna gave confirmation that this baby was the long awaited Messiah. When this portion of the story was completed, Luke tells us that the first family returned to Nazareth, Galilee.
Then in verse 40 we read this passage: “And the Child grew and became strong in spirit, filled with wisdom; and the grace of God was upon Him.” – Luke 2:40
- Jesus was a baby, turned child, turned young man, turned adult. He grew mentally, physically, spiritually, and socially. We know this because Luke later in this same chapter says this:
“And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and men.” – Luke 2:52
- For Jesus to grow mentally means that He developed His mind, this is wisdom. For Him to grow physically means that His body grew from a boy into a man. His spiritual growth had everything to do with having ‘favor with God,’ just as He did socially; ‘favor with men.’
Both of these passages pertain to every believer, man or woman. As a believer in Jesus, we’re partakers of Christ divine nature. He has given us everything that we need for life and godliness.
Peter said that Christ’… “…divine power has given to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of Him who called us by glory and virtue, 4 by which have been given to us exceedingly great and precious promises, that through these you may be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust.” – 2 Peter 1:3,4
- If we are partakers of Christ divine nature, than we also benefit from the growth process that Jesus experienced when He was on the earth as a baby, then boy, then man.
When our kids were little, Debi and I would confess Luke 2:40 over them in a faith-filled prayer of confession. I would pray like this, “Lord Jesus, I thank you for my son (daughter), I would say their names. I thank you that they are growing in spirit, being filled with wisdom, and the grace of God is upon them.’ I would pray this over them every night.
After a while they began to believe it and God would continually do great things in and through them. The stories are endless, as are their many experiences and growth opportunities. It wasn’t always easy, but God was with them, showing Himself strong as they grew in their faith, their stature, their mental and spiritual lives, and most of all, in their love for the Lord.
They’re all adults now, married with families of their own; and they all love Jesus. Now they confess these passages over their kids. It works because it’s God’s Word and He wants us to confess it, pray it, believe it, and mature in it. Our daughter has two little girls and she made a special fabric picture with Luke 2:40 spelled out and the names of her two daughters embordered on it. It’s a wonderful reminder of God’s goodness and grace.
If you’re a parent of small children, confess this over them when you pray for them and with them. Let them hear your voice confessing God’s Word over them personally, with their names in the scripture. This will boost their faith and empower them as they grow in the grace of God. As you do this you will see a major difference in how they develop and mature in their bodies, their faith, their mental capacity, and their walk with Jesus.
I still pray the Messiah’s blessing over our kids and grandkids. We’re partakers of Christ’ divine nature, God’s Word is for us. We need to read it, believe it, and confess it over our families; now more than ever.
Maranatha!
Encouragemen is a blog written by Pastor Rob Lee, recently relocated to Northwest Missouri. He lives with his wife of 35-years, near their three adult children, their spouses, and children (their grandchildren). Pastor Rob is an Ordained Assemblies of God minister, a Lead Pastor (25+ years), police chaplain, and community advocate. He continues to serve, consult, and disciple men of God, including those who are in the ministry.
Encourage Men 