Jan 31 – Perfection of Christ!

“till we all come to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to a perfect man, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ” (Ephesians 4:13).

When you mature to the stature of fullness of Christ, you will indeed grow up to be a perfect man. And our Lord Jesus Christ Himself will be the example, benchmark and measure for that stature of the fullness. The Scripture tells us that: “Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favour with God and men” (Luke 2:52).

First, He increased in wisdom. The Scripture clearly tells us that the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom. Job also tells us: “Behold, the fear of the Lord, that is wisdom, And to depart from evil is understanding” (Job 28:28). Even to perform a small task, you will need wisdom. The Scripture tells us: “For the Lord gives wisdom; From His mouth come knowledge and understanding; He stores up sound wisdom for the upright” (Proverbs 2: 6-7). Just like our Lord Jesus, you should also grow and increase in wisdom of God.

Secondly, Jesus increased in stature. It is the desire of the Lord that you should grow as Olive plants. He is delighted to see your spiritual growth. He is overjoyed at every stage of your spiritual progress, when you get the gifts of the Holy Spirit, when you obtain the Spirit of Prayer, or when you share your testimony with others.

Thirdly, Lord Jesus increased in favour with God. When you also humble yourselves before God and before men, God will lead you to be perfected in His grace. In the following verse, we read the testimony of Apostle Paul: “And the grace of our Lord was exceedingly abundant, with faith and love which are in Christ Jesus” (1 Timothy 1: 14).

Fourthly, Jesus increased in favour with men. Many children of God, even question the need for favour of men. Even our Lord, needed the favour of Mary, to conceive Him and bear Him in her womb. He needed the favour of His disciples, to work along with Him to proclaim the kingdom of God. He needed the favour of a fisherman for the boat to stand and preach at the sea shore. Therefore, you should never have a low regard for the favour of men. God is able to grant you favour in the eyes of men.

Children of God, if you need to become a perfect man, in the fullness of Christ, you should keep on growing and increase in wisdom, stature, favour of God and favour of men.

Verse for further meditation: “If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him” (James 1:5).