Advent Devotional

Isaiah 11:1-9

"Then a shoot will spring from the stem of Jesse, and a branch from his roots will bear fruit.  The Spirit of the LORD will rest on Him, the spirit of wisdom and understanding, the spirit of counsel and strength, the spirit of knowledge and the fear of the LORD and He will delight in the fear of the LORD, and He will not judge by what His eyes see, nor make a decision by what His ears hear; but with righteousness He will judge the poor, and decide with fairness for the afflicted of the earth; and He will strike the earth with the rod of His mouth, and with the breath of His lips He will slay the wicked.  Also righteousness will be the belt about His loins, and faithfulness the belt about His waist."

Isaiah describes the Messiah as a branch that will come from a shoot from the stem of Jesse, referring to the remnant of Israel and David’s line.  The rest of the passage describes the Messiah as having wisdom, understanding, counsel, strength, knowledge, and a fear of the LORD.  He will judge righteously, not as men judge, and will slay the wicked.

Isaiah describes the coming of Jesus Christ the first time but then transitions into describing aspects of Christ’s second coming.  We are given a glimpse of the future reign of Jesus Christ which should serve as a hope but can also serve as a warning for those who are not walking in the way of the LORD.  Let us rejoice this advent season as we remember Christ who came and who is coming again to reign over us with righteousness and justice.

For Reflection & Discussion: What are you looking forward to the most about the return of Christ?

Prayer: Dear God, thank you for the gift of Your Son, and the promises You have given us through your word. Give us a spirit of hope and joy as we eagerly await  Your coming again.  Amen.
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