Resting in the Spirit

Meditate.

Ruins of the City of David
Jerusalem, Israel

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. He will delight in obeying the LORD. He will not judge by appearance nor make a decision based on hearsay. He will give justice to the poor and make fair decisions for the exploited. The earth will shake at the force of his word, and one breath from his mouth will destroy the wicked. He will wear righteousness like a belt and truth like an undergarment. In that day the wolf and the lamb will live together; the leopard will lie down with the baby goat. The calf and the yearling will be safe with the lion, and a little child will lead them all. The cow will graze near the bear. The cub and the calf will lie down together. The lion will eat hay like a cow. The baby will play safely near the hole of a cobra. Yes, a little child will put its hand in a nest of deadly snakes without harm. Nothing will hurt or destroy in all my holy mountain, for as the waters fill the sea, so the earth will be filled with people who know the LORD. Isaiah 11:1-9

This is so beautiful. Such a wonder scene of peace. Not only will people be at peace—but the animals who are enemies will safe together.

This passage is also a prediction of Jesus coming from the Family of David—and the Holy Spirit giving Him wisdom, understanding, knowledge, counsel and might. The Spirit “resting” on Him. What does it mean to rest? Will rest by Strong’s lexicon is nuwach and it means just what we think of as “rest”…to settle down, be quite, let down or set down, remain, or to rest. So the Holy Spirit at this point is predicted to “rest” or remain with Jesus. The Holy Spirit was there to guide Jesus. 

Jesus will delight in obeying the Lord. How many people do you know that find joy or enjoy being obedient? I think of some of the children I encounter just going to the grocery store—who are just not obedient. Generally, there are a lot of children who listen to their parents—and I am so pleased that my grandchildren listen and obey. Their parents are doing a wonderful job of teaching them to respect others…and themselves. I think that was what Jesus was doing as well—respecting His Heavenly Father…and Himself…by being obedient. How do you measure up with obedience? Are you trusting the Lord and then obeying His commands and guidance? Are you listening to the still small voice of the Holy Spirit to guide and direct you? Listen and obey. Rest in the Spirit…while there is still time. 

Prayer ~ Lord. I trust and obediently love You with all my heart, mind, soul and strength. You are awesome and worthy of praise. This Advent season is preparation for forever with You. I look forward to the earth being filled with people who know You. Protect the nation of Israel. May they come to know You, Jesus, as their Messiah...and trust You in all that You do. Give them Your joy and peace.

Verse of Salvation ~ For God saved us and called us to live a holy life. He did this, not because we deserved it, but because that was his plan from before the beginning of time--to show us his grace through Christ Jesus. 2 Timothy 1:9

© 2020 Text, photos and illustrations by Mickey M. Hunacek. All rights reserved.

Unless otherwise indicated, all scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc. Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

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