Back to Online School
“And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and men”. - Luke 2:52
Dear parents and kids: This is the first time in our life where our school children will be going to school online, and it is completely different. Our church children are planning to start their new academic year of 2020-2021 this week.
The Bible says in Proverbs 3:13; Happy is the man who finds wisdom, and the man who gains understanding. As a church, we will pray for elementary school kids, intermediate, middle school kids, high school students, and university of college students.
Throughout the nation, there are new guidelines for the students. New back-to-school-rules that are being stressed with great seriousness and deep concern — “use your mask, keep social distance, and wash your hands with soap!” School leaders across the country are already debating how to help students catch up. To maintain social distancing, some regions may bring children back to school in rotations, in order to reduce the number of people inside classrooms and buildings at any given time. There are also concerns about whether large numbers of students will need to repeat all or a substantial portion of their current grade.
But the church has always been in the health care business. Jesus spent his three years of ministry preaching, teaching, and healing. Jesus was most known among the people as a healer. The crowds that followed him requested a healing touch more often than a holy word. He offered wholeness and health to those who were in pain, in distress, in the darkness of blindness, or the confusion of a troubled mind and spirit. He provided bread and fish and water and wine to the crowds that gathered around Him, tending to the needs of their stomach as well as to their souls.
Today’s scripture portion began when Jesus was young, like our Sunday school children. At a young age Jesus increased in wisdom, stature, and in favor with God & men. By achieving this, we can also be a blessing unto others as a church. This is a lesson to all of our students who will be going to start their next academic year.
I. GROWING IN WISDOM
Jesus, as a man, had to grow in wisdom and knowledge just as any other human being. He came to the world just like you and me. In Proverbs, for the Lord is ‘the beginning of wisdom’ (Proverbs 9:10). And ‘if you are wise, your wisdom will reward you’ (v.12).
The world is constantly changing, and society is always evolving. In order to receive a proper education, we all go to school and university. However, there are many things the schools and colleges cannot teach you. Great wisdom comes from God alone. The way you talk and act and present yourselves to others. Because you are the children of God.
You are the children ‘of the Lord your God’ (Deuteronomy 14:1a) and for you a holy people of the Lord your God. And the Lord has chosen you to be a people for Himself, a special treasure above all the peoples who are on the face of the earth. (v.2). It is a blessing to give. God blesses you so that you can bless others (v.29c).
Since Jesus is with us always, then discipleship is on-going, and it is every day. It is not just something for a special day or a special evening or a special program. It is the pulse of every moment lived in the kingdom of God. Although you, children, are young, God calls upon you. He says, ‘grow in wisdom that, as I bless you, you will bless others.” Jesus, even at a young age, sat with the teachers and priest of the temple to listen to the scriptures.
Growing in wisdom and knowledge does not end when school days are over. Much of the information in our schoolbooks from last year can become outdated over the years. There are also times when information can be changed because of new evidence and findings. Just as the world continues to change, so do our schoolbooks. However, the Bible will never change. And the wisdom within its pages will never change because the greatest wisdom is from God. Dear children, remember to grow in the wisdom of God. Seek Him first, and you will be blessed with wisdom.
Look at some Bible verses for us:
Knowledge and Understanding. Proverbs 2:6
My dear children, first of all, we need to know that the Lord gives wisdom for us. No man, or no universities or schools gives wisdom. The Lord gives wisdom, from His mouth come wisdom and knowledge and understanding. He stores up sound wisdom for His people. And He will be the shield for you this year of education.
Generous Wisdom. James 1:5
Do you think that I have a lack of wisdom? The Bible gives us assurance for you. If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you. Romans 2:11 says, for there is no partiality with our God.
Wisdom better than gold. Proverbs 16:16
Dear children, you are going to school to learn something. Do you know what you are going to learn? Not for gold, silver, or money but most importantly to learn wisdom. Proverb 16:16 says How much better to get wisdom than gold! And to get understanding is to be chosen rather than silver.
Gain a wise heart. Psalms 90:12
Not only, we should pray to the Lord every day, Oh Lord teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom.
II. GROWING IN PHYSICAL STATURE
The Bible says Jesus also increased in physical stature. Anyone who is sensitive to the beauty of nature sees God daily. Dear parent, when did you first see the majesty of God? Perhaps it was at the birth of your first child or second child. What greater miracle in all of creation is there than the birth of a new child? As we watch that child learn to smile, to make sounds, to talk, to walk, and finally to grow into a mature person, we are led to the dramatic realization that there is more to life than mere physics and chemistry. Behind creation stands a Creator. When was it that you first realized the majesty of God?
Physical growth is an amazing-inspiring process.
At the beginning at conception, all tissue differentiation occurs in the womb and growth continues throughout childhood, especially during the first years and puberty. Motor skills develop along with growth. The development of an upright stance frees the hands for crawling. The baby therefore goes through a parallel process: changing from a crawling posture, into sitting, into an independent walking. They are constantly learning to grasp and manipulate objects. Thus, we have three important motor development: posture, mobility, and manipulation.
Each and every little physical skill we learn is guided by the hand of God. This is the body God has blessed us with. Do not let it walk in an ungodly way. The strength and health you have is a blessing the Lord has given to you. Use it to glorify God. As Jesus grew his physical stature, He helped His father, Joseph, with carpentry and grew to be a strong man. His body was not harmed by the evils that are in this world. Dear children, lean not near alcohol, nicotine, or drugs. For God is watching. And he calls you to grow with Him in physical stature.
Here are some verses teach us about strength and physical stature:
Isaiah 40:29-30: They shall run and not be weary; They shall walk and not faint. He gives power to the weak, and to those who have no might He increases strength.
Habakkuk 3:19: The Lord God is my strength. He will make my feet like a deer’s feet; and will make me walk on high hills. Psalm 28:7: The Lord is my Strength and shield.
Roy L. Smith tells about an aged and scholarly minister who spent the night on a California mountaintop with a group of young men from his church. It so happened that a little after midnight two great stars lined up, and the dear old pastor went from sleeping bag to sleeping bag, shaking them, and shouting, "Get up! Get up! Don't miss it! Don't let God Almighty put on such a show as this for just this old me!"
Children, you are young. Do not sleep during the time of God’s glory. Rise up and run, for you are youthful. Seek God and grow with Him in physical stature.
III. GROWING IN FAVOR WITH PEOPLE (MAN AND WOMAN)
Jesus, coming in the form of man himself, knew how to get along with people. He summarizes it in Matthew 7:12, “Therefore, whatever you want men to do to you, do also to them, for this is the Law and Prophets.” Treat others how you want to be treated.
Jesus grew in favor with man. He did not become of the world, but He became an example to the world of how we should create relationships, find forgiveness, and serve. Because Jesus was perfect, I am sure these skills were already in Him, but He needed to learn how to use them for He was born a son of man in this world.
Human relationships can sometimes feel difficult. Some of us have a special gift of getting along with others better than most. Some people get along well in groups, while others find it more comfortable in one on one relationships. Some of us easily adapt to others, while some are not as adaptable. Getting along with others can be difficult for many of us because we, as people, are all quite different.
However, the key to growing in favor with people can be summed up in one word: LOVE.
In the Gospel of Mark, there are over a dozen occasions when the scribes oppose Jesus. They mock him, dispute him, and conspire against Him. Certainly, they would attack on whatever answer He offers. Yet the scribes immediately withdrew when Jesus answered, "You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart." Here’s the reason ‘why’. The primary obligation for every good Jew has always been to love God with the heart, with the center of all passion and trust. That is the primary purpose of human life. When we were baptized in the name of our Lord and Savior, we were given the same commandments to follow. These words name our primary allegiance and bind us to our greatest responsibility: "You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart."
Mark 12: 30-31 “And you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind, and with all your strength.’ This is the first commandment. And the second, like it, is this: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no other commandment greater than these.”
This is how the Lord calls us to build our relationships. Through loving our neighbors. The Lord says, do not steal, to not lie, and do not envy. Build your relationships through love and forgiveness. Serve your neighbor when they are lost and hurting. We can spend a lifetime trying to put love into practice. But true love is blessed upon us through the glory of God. God gives us the strength to love and forgive. Dear children, love God and seek His love, so you can love your neighbors. Reach out to those who are in need and spread God love. For love is the key to finding favor in man, and there is no greater love than the Father’s.
Here are some other verses on showing favor to others
Write loyalty and faithfulness around your neck. Proverbs 3:3,4
Show steadfast love. Genesis: 39:21
IV. GROWING IN FAVOR WITH GOD
There is no doubt that this is the most important area of growth in our lives.
To “seek the Kingdom” means to look for the supernatural in our everyday life. Matthew 6:33. This requires the gift of faith. If we are to gain God’s favor or rewards, we must be obedient and step out in faith.
Hebrews 11:6 “and without faith it is impossible to please God because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.”
To seek his righteousness means God has called us to be men and women of character. It is always hard to step out in faith, because to be a Christian of character requires not only obedience to the Lord but rejection, persecution, and death itself.
Galatians 5:24 “and those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires.”
Of course, we now live in an era where crucifixion is now illegal. However, we do live in an era in which Christianity is still highly rejected and persecuted. Dear children, God calls you to step out in faith against the world. This is how you will grow in favor of God. You do not have to stand on a pulpit and shout to crowds. But do not live by the way of the world. Do not hide your faith in God out of fear of rejection. Do not hide your love for God out of fear of persecution from peers. Step out in faith, dear children, for this is how you will grow in favor with God.
Grow in favor of God through prayer. The churches are growing, becoming healthier and more influential because of our collective prayer life. It is proven to be a powerful time where people are praying in the Spirit for the church and the city. Especially during our current situation. Prayer is a connection with God. There is no such thing as a perfect prayer, for it is your personal connection with God. Prayer helps us to grow in favor with God as well.
Romans 8:26-27 “In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness.” We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groans that words cannot express. And he who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit because the Spirit intercedes for the saints in accordance with God’s will…If God is for us, who can be against us?…how will he not graciously give us all things?
Dear children, God calls you to reach out to Him in prayer. Even if you can not express ourselves with words, the Lord understands our heart and groaning. Therefore, do not shy away from prayer. For prayer brings you closer to God’s presence, and there you will grow in His favor.
And lastly, stay consistent in your spiritual connection with God. Even through trials and obstacles, stay strong in the Lord. There was a small church in India. However, when the situation near their church became dangerous, the church experienced a crisis. Some families left from fear and doubt. However, one family continued coming to church, even when others told them to leave. They remained obedient to God’s will and as a result God has blessed not only their spiritual life, but physical life as well.
Do not hold God only when it is easy. Hold God close when you are fearful, when you are brave, when you are weak, and when you are strong. Hold God closer when you have trials and when you have victories. Children of God, you will grow in favor with God when you hold God in your heart with every pulsing moment of your heart. Do not pick and choose when you need God, for you need Him with every breath.
Proverbs 8:35 For whoever finds me finds life and obtains favor from the Lord Psalm 90:17 Favor prospers us for the work of our hands.
CONCLUSION:
As parents, we are instructed by God to lead our children on the path to God. We must guide them as they grow in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and men. But, dear brothers and sisters, we are also children in the eyes of our God. We are His children. Jesus says in Matthew 18: 3-4, “Assuredly, I say to you, unless you are converted and become as little children, you will by no means enter the kingdom of heaven. Therefore, whoever humbles himself as this little child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.”
In the Lord’s eyes, we do not stop growing. Like a child, we have much to learn and grow in our spiritual life. Grow in wisdom with the word of the gospel. Grow in physical stature with the understanding of the majesty God created you with. Grow in favor with man and relationships through God’s love, which He gave you. Grow in favor with God through stepping out in faith, praying in spirit, and holding God with every moment in your life.
Let us grow in wisdom, stature, and favor with God and man this year, dear children of God.
