Isaiah 11:1-5
A shoot will spring up from the stump 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 might, the Spirit of knowledge and the fear of the Lord. He will be delighted with the fear of the Lord. He will not judge by what he sees with his eyes, nor will he render decisions based on what he hears with his ears, but with righteousness, he will judge the poor, and he will render fair decisions in favor of the oppressed on the earth. He will strike the earth with the rod of his mouth, and with the breath from his lips, he will put the wicked to death. Righteousness will be the belt around his waist, and faithfulness the belt around his hips.
Dear Lord Jesus,
You came into this world as a man, from the line of David, fulfilling this prophecy from Isaiah. The Spirit of the Lord was on you because you are of one Spirit with the Father. You knew the plan of salvation for this earth even though you were rejected by so many. Lord, thank you for giving us your wisdom and understanding; that we should respect what you have done for us. Thank you for giving us your counsel and might; you told us to trust in you; no one comes to the Father except through you. You went to the cross displaying your strength, taking on every one of our sins and offering forgiveness to all. To fear the Lord means believing in this forgiveness and respecting the price you paid for all our sins. Your forgiveness does not give us a license to sin and do whatever we wish, but out of love for you, we have a changed heart to love you above all other things. On that last day, you will judge the earth with all equity and fairness, not according to what is seen but what is in each person’s heart. Those Isaiah called poor are the believers; knowing how great their sin is and depleted they are of love and need a Savior. Those oppressed by their sins know the only way is through your forgiveness. You have given them your righteousness because you know what is in their hearts. Lord, you will use your word as the rod you will strike the earth, and all the wicked those who reject you will be put to eternal death. None who trust in your will be lost or overlooked because you know all those who believe in you. Righteousness and faithfulness are both wrapped around your waist so we can be confident in you. Amen
Pastor Roger Emmons
Jesus is that branch from Jesse that will bear fruit and judge the earth. We must all be ready, for we do not know when that last day will come, but repent and be prepared if today should be judgment day.