Okay, last blog I ended with the intent of further exploring Grace and Truth; however, as I sit here in this moment I am prompted to share a bit regarding Isaiah chapter 11:1-2:
“There shall come forth a shoot from the stump of Jesse, and a branch from his roots shall bear fruit. And the Spirit of the Lord shall rest upon him, the Spirit of wisdom and understanding, the Spirit of counsel and might, the Spirit of knowledge and the fear of the Lord.”
David was Jesse’s youngest son, from the lineage (tribe) of Judah (one of Jacob’s 12 sons). The twelve sons of Jacob (later Jacob’s name was changed to Israel) are referred to as the twelve tribes of Israel.
In Genesis chapter 49, Jacob is speaking blessing over each of his sons, shortly before he dies. In verse 10, he says the following to his son Judah: “The scepter shall not depart from Judah, nor the ruler’s staff from between his feet….” The scepter is the staff that the king held when he made rulings, declarations, etc. In speaking this blessing over Judah, Jacob declared the promised King of the Jewish nation would come from the tribe of Judah.
So, in Isaiah chapter 11 when it says “there shall come forth a shoot from the stump of Jesse,” this is regarded as the coming King, from Jesse’s lineage, and specifically from David.
In 2 Samuel chapter 7 is recorded God’s declaration to David regarding David’s lineage. In verse 16, God said to David, “Your house and kingdom will endure forever before Me, and your throne will be established forever.”
It is this King – The Messiah – Jesus of Nazareth – The Christ, The Anointed One – that Isaiah Chapter 11 is describing. Verses 1 and 2 describe the nature / characteristics of the King of Kings. There are 7 characteristics described. Seven is known as the number of completeness, perfection.
These 7 characteristics described as “resting upon Him” are:
Lordship – “The Spirit of the Lord” (Rule)
Wisdom
Understanding
Counsel
Might
Knowledge
Fear of the Lord
Isaiah 11:3 says, “his delight shall be in the fear of the Lord.”
Interestingly, in Proverbs chapter 8, we find this same collection of characteristics. The chapter begins with, “Does not wisdom call out, and understanding raise her voice?” This chapter goes on to describe wisdom personified.
In verses 12 – 16 is contained this description of wisdom:
“I, wisdom, dwell together with prudence, and I find knowledge and discretion. To fear the LORD is to hate evil; I hate arrogant pride, evil conduct, and perverse speech. Counsel and sound judgment are mine; I have insight and strength. By me kings reign, and rulers enact just laws; By me princes rule, and all nobles who govern justly.”
If you read these verses slowly, considering the words carefully, you will hear the resonance of these verses with Isaiah chapter 11.
Indeed, these are 7 Spirits / 7 (completeness / perfection) characteristics of King Jesus. And, because the same Spirit that raised Jesus from the dead lives inside each born again believer in Jesus, these same 7 characteristics dwell inside each believer.
I would offer for your consideration that we may also see / receive these seven as grace – for whatever is needed in the present moment as we walk with Jesus. In as much, when John 1:17 says “the law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ” that He walked in the grace of these 7 spirits (characteristics) during His time on earth, and has made this same grace available to us, Today.
