Increasing

Last of all we find the Lord increasing (v. 52). Don't we all want this: to be in favor with God and man? But we want it now! Look at all that went before in the Lord's life: sitting, hearing, asking, understanding, answering, working, and submitting. Yes, God gives the increase we know, but He gives it in His perfect time. "He that shall humble himself shall be exalted," just as the Lord Jesus. Our increasing in. wisdom and stature is never to be an object or goal, it can only be the result of a life humbly seeking to follow Christ. True spiritual growth is an unsought-for by-product of a life of obedience and submission to God. And if our Father has indeed increased us a little we need not glory or gloat in it, but soberly remember. "A man can receive nothing, except it be given Him from heaven." John 3:27. "The Lord make you to increase and abound in love one toward another, and toward all men." I Mess. 3:12.
How wonderful of God to give us just a fleeting glimpse of the Lord Jesus in His youth. But even this is enough to cause us to exclaim with others, "Never man spake Like this Man" and "He hath done all things well.”
Though only twelve, yet in Jesus I find
Perfect wisdom for this young life of mine.
Though only twelve, still in Jesus I see
Perfect graces I'll praise for eternity.

T. Clement