Living in Peace and Harmony

O.T. #1585  "Living in Peace and Harmony"
Dec. 13, 2019
Isaiah 11-Part 2

LET IT GLOW

I have told you before about the old pecan tree in our back yard, but it seems to apply here. Earlier, we had one large branch fall on the well house, so it had to cut be off. Then, another year, another large branch split off the trunk and fell onto the fence. It kept producing pecans, miraculously, but we eventually had it cut off.  I noticed a small sprouting tree grew out of the partial trunk, which had its roots still intact under the ground. We knew it would not endure the strong winds, so whenever the whole trunk was cut off, it was too. That showed me how just a small shoot could continue to grow from a root. I understood the illustration that Isaiah used here.

Although Isaiah told of Judah would be like a tree cut down to a stump, a new branch would come from the root and shoot of the remnant. The Davidic line would continue on through the remnant and to Jesus Christ, the coming Messiah. He would be greater than the original tree and bear much fruit. (verse 2)
We read that the Spirit of the LORD would rest up Christ, giving Him wisdom and understanding, counsel and might, knowledge and fear of the LORD. (verse 2)

Verses 3-5 give us a closer look, description of the divine Child and Savior, which were given by the Spirit of God:

• He will have quick understanding in the fear of the LORD; He would have wisdom and sensitivity to observe people. 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. (Revelation 19:15)
• He will wear righteousness like a belt and truth with faithfulness like an undergarment.

Jesus had wisdom as He dealt with the Pharisees, compassion for the needy and physically ill, taught and exemplified love for others to His disciples, was the Son of God who showed us how to live righteously.
Are we heeding His teachings? Without love, we are just a noisy cymbal.

LET IT GROW

As we now live in a day when people kill family members and police, abuse strangers and animals, I don't have to describe the awful things that go on because of evil.
Wouldn't it be a wonderful place to live where people lived in peace and harmony? It is coming! Isaiah tells some about it. Read on.

How amazing  and astounding it will be when the ravenous animals-wolf, leopard, lion, bear, will live peaceably with the defenseless lamb, kid, and child.

Verses 6-9 speak of peace and harmony between men, between animals, and between men and animals during the Millennial reign of King Jesus.

This unparalleled time of spiritual and natural peace will result from the fact that the earth shall be full of the knowledge of the LORD. The day is coming when this divine Messiah shall rule the entire world. (Liberty Bible Commentary)

What a wonderful world it will be! Did you know that Jesus is the Lion of Judah and the Lamb of God, and our Prince of Peace? This King of kings and Lord of lords will rule in real righteousness. You know, that means evil will not exist in this 1,000 year kingdom. Woohoo!

LET IT GO

Help me live in peace with others as I stand for the truth of the Bible.
May I share the love of God with others this Christmas season.