Nothing announces the Christmas season as gloriously as the Handel’s magnificent Messiah. The symphony opens with a single clear voice of a tenor announcing comfort to a battered and torn Israel and heralding the coming of the Lord. Isaiah is a book about judgement and hope but ultimately, it is a prophetic book about the Messiah, Jesus Christ.

A leading theme in chapter 11 of Isaiah is that God preserves a remnant out of the destruction of Israel and Judah. The remnant is identified with David’s royal line, from which comes the Messiah, Jesus Christ. The “Spirit of the Lord” rested on Christ, and he received the gifts of wisdom, understanding, counsel, might, knowledge and the fear of the Lord to establish righteousness on earth.

We too, can experience these gifts from the Holy Spirit as we trust him to fill us and lead us. God’s salvation brings incredible joy and bold confidence that we embrace to praise God and tell others about him (Isaiah 12:4-6). The fruit of the Holy Spirit can help us live lives that conform to God’s plan, and by walking in obedience by faith in his powerful provision, we can live victoriously. Just as the disciples did, we too can enjoy the greatness and power of the Holy Spirit working in us and enriching our relationship with God and others.

Lord, thank you for biblical prophecy and the glorious ways you fulfill your promises. Help us to remain in your hope and to be attentive to what you are doing every minute of every day. Please teach us to be equipped to discern, and study the Scriptures so we can live victoriously for you by faith in your provision and share your love with others. In Jesus’s name we pray, amen.

Throughout This Day: Seek to walk in the Spirit moment-by-moment by faith, knowing he always gives you everything you need to obey him. Thank him for his constant presence within, and ask him to reveal anything in your life that you have not surrendered to him.



Tags: The Promised One Daily Devotional Isaiah 11
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