Blog

There are so many names for Jesus in the Bible. In Isaiah there are four names that come up most often during the Christmas season.

Wonderful Counselor

Mighty God

Everlasting Father

Prince of Peace

Isaiah 9:6

These words came as God spoke through the prophet Isaiah.

For a child is born to us, a son is given to us. The government will rest on his shoulders. And he will be called: Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. His government and its peace will never end. He will rule with fairness and justice from the throne of his ancestor David for all eternity. The passionate commitment of the Lord of Heaven’s Armies will make this happen! (Isaiah 9:6–7, NLT)

The larger theme that we have been seeing run through these devotionals has been one of rest. Peace and rest are so closely tied together in the Hebrew word Shalom. A word that does mean peace but also more than peace. David, together with Israel, experienced Shalom peace for a time. God promises us Shalom peace for all eternity! A perfect peace and rest where we return to the relationships as they were in the garden. Imagine complete security and significance!

Jesus is the only one who can give us this peace both now and for eternity.

Spend time thinking on the following passage and lift up your troubles, joys, anxiety…anything to Jesus and place them in his hands.

I am leaving you with a gift—peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give is a gift the world cannot give. So don’t be troubled or afraid. (John 14:27, NLT)

Remember that shoot coming out of the stump from yesterday? Well, there is a bit more to that prophecy given to the nation of Israel. It is an image of what the rest God had promised would look like.

“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 11:6–9, NLT)

What a great promise we wait for when Christ will come again to make all things new. Take some time to imagine what this would be like! “All” it took for this to become a reality was for Jesus to come as a baby, grow up among us, learn a trade, go to school, preach the kingdom, live a sinless life, die for the sins of all, and then rise from the dead and remain alive. All of these things? He did them! In obedience to the Father and as an expression of His great love for his Dad and for us.

And when that day comes?

…at the name of Jesus every knee will bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue declare that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. (Philippians 2:9–11, NLT)

What a great life to look forward to! What a great life to get ready for now!

Spend some time thinking about these verses and what God has promised for those who love him. Express your gratitude to him.

As the last kings began their reign in Judah, Isaiah, a prophet, was sent by God to both warn and encourage the people. Because of their choice to live independent from God, they stopped fulfilling their role as God’s representatives on earth. Instead they joined the nations around them in worshiping false idols instead of the one true God. They also mistreated the poor and disenfranchised. Because of this behavior, Isaiah prophesied that Judah would be taken into exile for a time. He also prophesied of their return from exile and a new ruler to come.

“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.” (Isaiah 11:1–5, NLT)

This shoot is Jesus.

“Remember that Christ came as a servant to the Jews to show that God is true to the promises he made to their ancestors. He also came so that the Gentiles might give glory to God for his mercies to them. That is what the psalmist meant when he wrote: “For this, I will praise you among the Gentiles; I will sing praises to your name.” And in another place it is written, “Rejoice with his people, you Gentiles.” And yet again, “Praise the Lord, all you Gentiles. Praise him, all you people of the earth.” And in another place Isaiah said, “The heir to David’s throne will come, and he will rule over the Gentiles. They will place their hope on him.” I pray that God, the source of hope, will fill you completely with joy and peace because you trust in him. Then you will overflow with confident hope through the power of the Holy Spirit.” (Romans 15:8–13, NLT)

How can you express the confident hope we have in Christ?

The rest that Israel experienced under the reign of King David and King Solomon was short lived. After Solomon the country was divided into the Northern (Israel) and Southern (Judah) kingdoms. As a group, the Northern kingdom chose complete independence from God and abandoned him as their Lord. The Southern kingdom again had the same experience as the time of the Judges. Sometimes their were good kings who brought the people of God back into relationship with him through repentance. Other times their were evil kings who turned the hearts of the people away from God. One of these good kings was Josiah.

Josiah was 8 years old when he became king over Judah. His reign over the nation could be summed up with this verse:

He did what was pleasing in the Lord’s sight and followed the example of his ancestor David. He did not turn away from doing what was right. (2 Kings 22:2, NLT)

While he was king he lead the people back into a rhythm of turning their hearts, minds, and actions toward God. The book of the law was found and the people repented of their sin and turned back to God. Josiah removed all of those things in Judah that would lead the people to turn away from God. He “cleansed” the land and Judah experienced rest.

Never before had there been a king like Josiah, who turned to the Lord with all his heart and soul and strength, obeying all the laws of Moses. And there has never been a king like him since. (2 Kings 23:25, NLT)

When Josiah died, Judah, like Israel was taken into exile for a time. Eventually some Israelites would return to the land God had promised them. When the Jews had again settled in the land a new and better king came, Jesus Christ.

The cleansing Jesus brought was one that changed peoples hearts, minds and spirits.

“Just think how much more the blood of Christ will purify our consciences from sinful deeds so that we can worship the living God. For by the power of the eternal Spirit, Christ offered himself to God as a perfect sacrifice for our sins.” (Hebrews 9:14, NLT)

What do you need cleansing from today? Confess it to God and receive his forgiveness.

Scripture: 2 Samuel 7

As Israel established themselves in the land God had given, kings began to rule over a united Israel. Saul, who started well as the first king of Israel, chose independence from God and went his own way in leading the country. This behavior displeased God so he removed Saul as king. In Saul’s place God anointed David as the new King. Scriptures say that David was a man after God’s own heart (1 Samuel 13:14). At his anointing the prophet Samuel was unsure about anointing David. God spoke to Samuel saying,

“The Lord doesn’t see things the way people see them. People judge by outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.” (1 Samuel 16:7)

At times in his life, David chose independence from God and sinned. What was different with David? He repented of his sin, turned back to God, and was forgiven. During David’s reign the land had peace and prosperity. God had given Israel rest from their enemies.

In a long line of descendants, Jesus came to offer an eternal rest for those who would follow him.

“For all who have entered into God’s rest have rested from their labors, just as God did after creating the world.” (Hebrews 4:10, NLT)

This rest is best described through a vision from John, one of the disciples.

I heard a loud shout from the throne, saying, “Look, God’s home is now among his people! He will live with them, and they will be his people. God himself will be with them. He will wipe every tear from their eyes, and there will be no more death or sorrow or crying or pain. All these things are gone forever.” And the one sitting on the throne said, “Look, I am making everything new!” (Revelation 21:3–5, NLT)

Take some time to rest today. Spend this time reflecting on the perfect rest God has promised those who follow him.

How might God be calling you to rest in him?

As Israel entered the promised land and began settling there, judges rose up at specific times to turn the people back to God.  In some ways they kept finding themselves wandering and needed to be reminded of who they belonged to.  During this period we encounter the story of Ruth, Naomi, and Boaz.  Naomi’s was a story of sadness.  While they were living in a foreign land her husband and two sons had died, leaving her with two daughters in law who were not Israelites.  Naomi in her grief told the daughters to return home, but one of them, Ruth, refused.

 Ruth said to Naomi, “Don’t urge me to leave you or to turn back from you. Where you go I will go, and where you stay I will stay. Your people will be my people and your God my God.” (Ruth 1:16, NIV)  

Together, Ruth and Naomi returned to Israel and settled in Bethlehem, Naomi’s hometown.  It was the time of the grain harvest and Ruth, because she was poor, went to gather grain left behind by the harvesters.  While doing this she was noticed by the land owner Boaz, who was a relative and kinsman-redeemer of Naomi’s family.  Boaz blessed Ruth by giving her greater portions of grain.

Over the course of time Boaz, as a kinsman-redeemer, fulfilled his role of caring for Naomi and Ruth by purchasing the land that belonged to Naomi’s husband.  This act also brought Naomi and Ruth under the protection and care of Boaz.  Boaz also married Ruth and had a son with her.  This son’s name?  Obed, the father of Jesse, the father of David.  From a foreign woman and an Israelite man came one of the greatest kings of Israel and ultimately Jesus himself.

This picture of Boaz sacrificing money in order to redeem Naomi and Ruth from poverty, and marrying Ruth in the process, is a picture pointing us to Christ and the redemption he offers.  What Christ redeems us from is far greater than poverty.  Christ redeems us from sin and separation from God into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade.

Therefore, it was necessary for him to be made in every respect like us, his brothers and sisters, so that he could be our merciful and faithful High Priest before God. Then he could offer a sacrifice that would take away the sins of the people. (Hebrews 2:17, NLT)  

Think of your own story.  How has Christ redeemed you?  Maybe make a list of the many ways and spend some time praising God.

Scripture: Numbers 13 & 14

Through many miracles God brought the Israelites to the edge of the land he had promised to Abraham.  God commanded Abraham to send in twelve spies, one from each tribe to explore all of the land.  When the spies returned, their story was one that brought awe and fear into the hearts of most of Israel.

   “They gave Moses this account: “We went into the land to which you sent us, and it does flow with milk and honey! Here is its fruit (they had brought back a single cluster of grapes that took two men to carry). But the people who live there are powerful, and the cities are fortified and very large. We even saw descendants of Anak there.” (Numbers 13:27–28, NIV)  

   “Then Caleb (one of the spies) silenced the people before Moses and said, “We should go up and take possession of the land, for we can certainly do it.”” (Numbers 13:30, NIV) 

The other spies and many of the people began to grumble about Moses and his brother Aaron.  Even though two of the spies, Joshua and Caleb, encouraged the people to go in and take the land, their voices were drowned out.  The people were fearful and doubted why God had brought them there.  Instead of obedience they rebelled.  This rebellion resulted in God sending the Israelites into the wilderness for 40 years.  God didn’t abandon Israel but went with them into the wilderness, promising them that the next generation of Israelites would enter the promised land.

Israel chose independence from God instead of trusting in God to give them the land.  This started them on a journey that would teach them that God is faithful and would keep the promise he made to Abraham.  In a similar way, Jesus also went into the wilderness for 40 days and was tempted by Satan.  Rather than choose independence and giving into temptation, Jesus trusted in his Father and God’s word and God delivered him from his temptations.

How have you tried to live independent from God?

How is God calling you to trust him today?

When the people of Israel lived in Egypt they became a large group.  At the same time they were forced into slavery by the Egyptians.  While in Egypt they cried out to God.  God heard them and brought about their deliverance through a man named Moses.  Through different miraculous events, plagues, pillars of fire, parting a sea, and fighting on behalf of his people, God brought Israel to the edge of the land he promised to Abraham.  Through Moses he gave his people the Ten Commandments.

   “And God spoke all these words: “I am the Lord your God, who brought you out of Egypt, out of the land of slavery. “You shall have no other gods before me. “You shall not make for yourself an image in the form of anything in heaven above or on the earth beneath or in the waters below. You shall not bow down to them or worship them; for I, the Lord your God, am a jealous God, punishing the children for the sin of the parents to the third and fourth generation of those who hate me, but showing love to a thousand generations of those who love me and keep my commandments. “You shall not misuse the name of the Lord your God, for the Lord will not hold anyone guiltless who misuses his name. “Remember the Sabbath day by keeping it holy. Six days you shall labor and do all your work, but the seventh day is a sabbath to the Lord your God. On it you shall not do any work, neither you, nor your son or daughter, nor your male or female servant, nor your animals, nor any foreigner residing in your towns. For in six days the Lord made the heavens and the earth, the sea, and all that is in them, but he rested on the seventh day. Therefore the Lord blessed the Sabbath day and made it holy. “Honor your father and your mother, so that you may live long in the land the Lord your God is giving you. “You shall not murder. “You shall not commit adultery. “You shall not steal. “You shall not give false testimony against your neighbor. “You shall not covet your neighbor’s house. You shall not covet your neighbor’s wife, or his male or female servant, his ox or donkey, or anything that belongs to your neighbor.”” (Exodus 20:1–17, NIV)  

Through the commandments, as well as other practices and commands, God revealed his plan for Israel.  If they were to be God’s people on earth, then their lives needed to look different than the people around them.  God gave them a way to live differently and point the world to him.  He gave them counter culture commands like, treating foreigners as one of your own, loving your neighbor, and not worshipping idols.  All so that they could hold onto the promise of Abraham.

Today, followers of Jesus are those representatives on the earth.  We keep Abraham’s promise alive by letting our lives point to Jesus through the power of the Holy Spirit.  We love our enemies, we pray for them, and we do good to all, especially those who are part of God’s family through Jesus.

Who needs to experience you being one of God’s children today?

Jacob, who was renamed Israel by God, had twelve sons who would become the twelve tribes of the nation of Israel.  At the time his youngest son Joseph became a favorite of Jacob.  Jacob even gave him a beautiful coat with many colors.  This led to some sinful and deceptive behavior from Joseph older brothers.  One day while the older brothers were taking care of their flocks, Joseph was sent by his Father to check up on them.  The brothers had a brilliant idea to fake Jospeh’s death and sell him into slavery.  Joseph ended up in Egypt and his dad was devastated thinking Joseph was dead.

Years later, through slavery and imprisonment, Joseph found himself as the second in command of all of Egypt.  God was with him.  A great famine swept through the world and Joseph, through the work of God was able to help Egypt plan for it.  All the other nations around Egypt, came to Joseph for food…including Joseph’s brothers.  Joseph was able to save his whole family through what had happened to him.  

When Israel died the brothers were afraid that Joseph might harm them and tried to manipulate Joseph so that he would treat them well.  Joseph’s response?

 “Don’t be afraid. Am I in the place of God? You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives. So then, don’t be afraid. I will provide for you and your children.” And he reassured them and spoke kindly to them.” (Genesis 50:19–21, NIV)

Joseph saw a bigger picture of God at work.  Again it was God keeping his promise to Abraham.

And it is a reminder to us that God is still at work, and still has a plan.

   “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” (Romans 8:28, NIV)  

This plan was revealed to us in Jesus and finds it’s completion in him.

What might God be saying to you through the story of Joseph?

Scripture: Genesis 28:10–22

Remember the first promise to Abraham?  It kept going.  When Isaac was old, he blessed his youngest son Jacob with the blessing meant for the older son.  Actually, Jacob stole the blessing.   Afraid of his brother Esau, Jacob fled from him.

   “Jacob left Beersheba and set out for Harran. When he reached a certain place, he stopped for the night because the sun had set. Taking one of the stones there, he put it under his head and lay down to sleep. He had a dream in which he saw a stairway resting on the earth, with its top reaching to heaven, and the angels of God were ascending and descending on it. There above it stood the Lord, and he said: “I am the Lord, the God of your father Abraham and the God of Isaac. I will give you and your descendants the land on which you are lying. Your descendants will be like the dust of the earth, and you will spread out to the west and to the east, to the north and to the south. All peoples on earth will be blessed through you and your offspring. I am with you and will watch over you wherever you go, and I will bring you back to this land. I will not leave you until I have done what I have promised you.” When Jacob awoke from his sleep, he thought, “Surely the Lord is in this place, and I was not aware of it.” He was afraid and said, “How awesome is this place! This is none other than the house of God; this is the gate of heaven.” Early the next morning Jacob took the stone he had placed under his head and set it up as a pillar and poured oil on top of it. He called that place Bethel, though the city used to be called Luz. Then Jacob made a vow, saying, “If God will be with me and will watch over me on this journey I am taking and will give me food to eat and clothes to wear so that I return safely to my father’s household, then the Lord will be my God and this stone that I have set up as a pillar will be God’s house, and of all that you give me I will give you a tenth.”” (Genesis 28:10–22, NIV)  

“All peoples…”   Again God was looking ahead to Jesus who would be the ultimate fulfillment of this promise.  The ladder in the dream is a symbol of Jesus, who through his life, death and resurrection has made a way through the Holy Spirit for us to have communion between between us and God.  The gap that our sin created has been closed by Jesus.

How can I spend time today thanking God for making a way for me to know him?