Progressing!

Though we are not given a lot of information regarding the early years of Jesus growing up in the home of a Jewish carpenter, what is mentioned in Scripture is significant enough to find application for our own personal growth. At age twelve we read of Jesus going to Jerusalem with Joseph and Mary as was their custom. ( Luke 2:41-42) However, the next eighteen years prior to the beginning of our Lord’s public ministry are only referred to briefly in a short synopsis provided by Luke.

We read…
“And JESUS INCREASED in wisdom and in stature and in favor with God and man.” ( Luke 2:52 ESV)

Four areas of growth are acknowledged in this text: intellectual, physical, spiritual, and social. Growth comes in phases and stages and seems to go best when being encouraged by others and earnestly focused on by self. As the development of muscular strength takes the working against resistance, so it is also to some extent with intellectual and spiritual progress. The Greek word translated “increased” in the passage above is from “prokopto”, a word that -- according to W. E. Vine’s “Expository Dictionary of New Testament Words” -- literally means “to strike forward, cut forward a way, i.e., to make progress.”

Growth is sometimes met with resistance either from within ourselves or those who in some way might hamper it. Growing takes EFFORT as movement in the right direction may necessitate GOING AGAINST THE FLOW. The concept of the Greek literally meaning to “cut forward a way” made me think of the idea of BLAZING A TRAIL as in cutting through a jungle of other ideologies in order to keep progressing forward. Sometimes we have to cut away at the thick of what in the world is “falsely called ‘knowledge’” (note 1 Timothy 6:20) in order to find the truth and true path to be followed.

The “Theological Dictionary of the New Testament” (© 1964 Grand Rapids, MI: Eerdmans) refers to “prokopto” as having its original and primary use as that of a nautical term implying “to make headway in spite of blows.” This again alludes to the EFFORT of progressing in spite of the forces that might be against us.

Our spiritual progress will not come by coasting, but rather by a steadfast focus and sincere effort to press on in the pathway God has set before us. BLAZING A TRAIL and GOING AGAINST THE FLOW are often what are required of us to continue moving the right direction. Perhaps, as we recognize the EFFORT it takes to press on in growing in the truth, we should also be considerate of helping pave the way for others to follow. As we follow the Will of God let us be mindful of the opportunities to lead others in His Way as well. Rightfully applying God’s word -- the “sword of the Spirit” ( Ephesians 6:17; Hebrews 4:12) -- we will be aided in continual forward progress.

Have a great day CUTTING THROUGH TO PRESS ON IN CHRIST!
Carl

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