Today’s devotion covers Luke 2:39-52 which covers Jesus returning to Nazareth, Jesus visiting Jerusalem around Passover, and Jesus’ stay at the Temple. We will focus on verses 40 and 52.
“The Child continued to grow and become strong, increasing in wisdom; and the grace of God was upon Him.” Luke 2:40.
“And Jesus kept increasing in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and men.” Luke 2:52. (Emphasis added to both verses.)
Likewise, our goal should be to increase in wisdom.
We seek that wisdom personified in the person Jesus Christ.
“But by His doing you are in Christ Jesus,
who became to us wisdom from God, and righteousness and sanctification, and redemption,” 1 Corinthians 1:30. “
in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.”
Colossians 2:3 (Emphasis added.)
The wisdom of the world is man-centered. It asks questions such as: “What do I sense? What can I understand? What do I know? What does seem fair to me? What is most tolerant of man? What makes me look the best? What makes others look the best? What gives me control over my own destiny?“
But, the world through its wisdom did not come to know God. “For since in the wisdom of God the world through its wisdom did not come to know God, God was well-pleased through the foolishness of the message preached to save those who believe.” 1 Corinthians 1:21
“18 For the word of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God. 19 For it is written,
“I WILL DESTROY THE WISDOM OF THE WISE,
AND THE CLEVERNESS OF THE CLEVER I WILL SET ASIDE.” 1 Corinthians 1:18-19.
“but God has chosen the foolish things of the world to shame the wise, and God has chosen the weak things of the world to shame the things which are strong, and the base things of the world and the despised God has chosen, the things that are not, so that He may nullify the things that are, so that no man may boast before God.” 1 Corinthians 1:27-29. (Emphasis added.)
True wisdom is found in Jesus Christ. It is God-centered. It is God-honoring. It asks questions like these: “What does Scripture state? What does Scripture state about God’s attributes and His works and His words? What is God’s purpose declared and shown in Scripture? How has God’s purpose been fulfilled? What is most likely to happen in the future based on God’s words? What honors God the most? What glorifies God the most? What gives God the most sovereign control? What guidance does God’s words provide for me today? What guidance does God’s words provide for my future plans?“
Reformed Doctrine Daily Devotions 