Day 21 – Jesus Is A Different Kind Of King
Read
Isaiah 11:1-10
We all have bosses – some good, some not. Jesus is a different kind of king. Imagine a boss who is always wise, patient, gentle, kind, and faithful to keep his promises. What if that leader always had his employees’ best interest at heart? And, what if following this authority led to more peace than you knew was possible?
“Out of the stump of David’s family will grow a shoot – yes, a new Branch bearing fruit from the old root. And the Spirit of the Lord will rest on him – the Spirit of wisdom and understanding, the Spirit of counsel and might, the Spirit of knowledge and the fear of the Lord.” – Isaiah 11:1-2
The Messiah – Jesus will come from the line of Jesse – a new branch – and the Spirit of the Lord will rest on him. Jesus comes not as a barely surviving branch from an old stump, not with the spirit of man – but FULL of the Spirit of the Lord!
What is the Spirit of the Lord? Isaiah 11 tells us Jesus will have the Spirit of wisdom…He is perfectly wise in all things. Spirit of understanding…Jesus understands all things and understands you perfectly. Spirit of counsel…Jesus has both the wisdom and understanding to give us perfect counsel at all times. Spirit of might…Jesus has both the love and the might – or power – to help us. Compared to others – they may have the power to help, but not the desire, or the desire to help but not the power – but Jesus has both! Spirit of knowledge…Jesus knows everything. He knows things we do not and as a result – sometimes we may not understand a situation or outcome. Jesus knows all things, but he also knows our hearts. And last, the Spirit of the fear of the Lord…What? Isn’t Jesus also God? Why would he have the Spirit of the fear of the Lord? Jesus willingly kept himself in a position of submission to God the Father. “He will delight in obeying the Lord.” (Isaiah 11:3) Jesus wants to do the will of the Father!
Isaiah not only tells the characteristics of Jesus as a leader but about how he will lead and his power. Jesus will not judge by appearance, or what others say. He will give justice to the poor and be fair to those who have been exploited. His power – “The earth will shake at the force of his word, and one breath from his mouth will destroy the wicked.” (Isaiah 11:4) Isaiah goes on to tell us this new Branch “will be a banner of salvation to all the world. The nations will rally to him, and the land where he lives will be a glorious place.” (Isaiah 11:10) When the Messiah reigns, nature will be transformed – small children will play safely with snakes. Humans and animals will no longer threaten one another. All nations will look to this messianic king for guidance. His kingdom will transform all creation – bringing peace.
Reflect:
- Jesus – the Messiah – is not just a good worldly boss, but a king empowered by God’s Spirit!
- Imagine choosing to follow Jesus in your life – through Isaiah’s description, you can know the leadership He can provide in your life! If you knew you could have access to these leadership qualities – wouldn’t you want to? Which of these attributes do you most want to experience in your life today?
- Do you crave a leader in your life who is strong and respected, fair, not discriminating based on appearances or things heard, but ruling with righteousness and truth as the primary attributes of His character?
- Do you long for the day when Jesus rules and all creation lives in peace? What a day that will be!