DAILY DEVOTIONAL FOR TODAY, NOVEMBER 14, 2013
ARE YOU INCREASING IN THIS?
STATURE
And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favour with God and man. Luke 2:52
This thy stature is like to a palm tree, and thy breasts to clusters of grapes. Song of Solomon 7:7
The Merriam Webster definition for stature is the quality or status gained by growth, development or achievement. Jesus is said to have increased in wisdom and stature and in favour with God and man. This is said of him as he was growing into manhood, throughout his teen years, as he was submitted to his parent's authority, yet conscious that He belonged to and was called by His Heavenly Father. The people began to see that Jesus had superior understanding: "And it came to pass, when Jesus had ended these sayings, the people were astonished at his doctrine: For he taught them as one having authority, and not as the scribes"(Matthew 7:29).
God wants us to increase in stature, but this is the work of the Holy Spirit. The Scripture clearly asks the question: "Which of you by taking thought can add one cubit unto his stature?" ( Matthew 6:27). The Holy Spirit moves on us, giving us revelation. He gives us insight and wisdom. He adds joy and blessedness. He gives us favour and friends. The Holy Spirit makes us fruitful in our work and a blessing in our influence.
The Merriam Webster definition for stature is the quality or status gained by growth, development or achievement. Jesus is said to have increased in wisdom and stature and in favour with God and man. This is said of him as he was growing into manhood, throughout his teen years, as he was submitted to his parent's authority, yet conscious that He belonged to and was called by His Heavenly Father. The people began to see that Jesus had superior understanding: "And it came to pass, when Jesus had ended these sayings, the people were astonished at his doctrine: For he taught them as one having authority, and not as the scribes"(Matthew 7:29).
God wants us to increase in stature, but this is the work of the Holy Spirit. The Scripture clearly asks the question: "Which of you by taking thought can add one cubit unto his stature?" ( Matthew 6:27). The Holy Spirit moves on us, giving us revelation. He gives us insight and wisdom. He adds joy and blessedness. He gives us favour and friends. The Holy Spirit makes us fruitful in our work and a blessing in our influence.
He teaches us the Law of the Spirit in Christ Jesus so that we can live in true liberty and abundance.
In the book of Acts, we see the Apostles, Peter and John, moving in the Spirit as the Holy Spirit increases their stature:
"Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were unlearned and ignorant men, they marvelled; and they took knowledge of them, that they had been with Jesus.
And beholding the man which was healed standing with them, they could say nothing against it.
But when they had commanded them to go aside out of the council, they conferred among themselves,
Saying, What shall we do to these men? for that indeed a notable miracle hath been done by them is manifest to all them that dwell in Jerusalem; and we cannot deny it.
But that it spread no further among the people, let us straitly threaten them, that they speak henceforth to no man in this name.
And they called them, and commanded them not to speak at all nor teach in the name of Jesus.
But Peter and John answered and said unto them, Whether it be right in the sight of God to hearken unto you more than unto God, judge ye.
For we cannot but speak the things which we have seen and heard.
So when they had further threatened them, they let them go, finding nothing how they might punish them, because of the people: for all men glorified God for that which was done.
For the man was above forty years old, on whom this miracle of healing was shewed.
And being let go, they went to their own company, and reported all that the chief priests and elders had said unto them.
And when they heard that, they lifted up their voice to God with one accord, and said, Lord, thou art God, which hast made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and all that in them is:
Who by the mouth of thy servant David hast said, Why did the heathen rage, and the people imagine vain things?
The kings of the earth stood up, and the rulers were gathered together against the Lord, and against his Christ.
For of a truth against thy holy child Jesus, whom thou hast anointed, both Herod, and Pontius Pilate, with the Gentiles, and the people of Israel, were gathered together,
For to do whatsoever thy hand and thy counsel determined before to be done.
And now, Lord, behold their threatenings: and grant unto thy servants, that with all boldness they may speak thy word,
By stretching forth thine hand to heal; and that signs and wonders may be done by the name of thy holy child Jesus.
And when they had prayed, the place was shaken where they were assembled together; and they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and they spake the word of God with boldness.
And the multitude of them that believed were of one heart and of one soul: neither said any of them that ought of the things which he possessed was his own; but they had all things common.
And with great power gave the apostles witness of the resurrection of the Lord Jesus: and great grace was upon them all" (Acts 4:13-33).
