Bible Reading: ISAIAH 11:1-end
“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 of the fear of the Lord” – Isaiah 11:2 (KJV).
The spirit that rested on the Lord was multi-faceted showing different dimensions of his person. When Jesus announced that the spirit of the Lord was upon him (Luke 4:8) he revealed the different operations of the spirit. This agrees with the diversities of operations of the Spirit that Apostle Paul spoke of (1 Corinthians 12:4-6). These diversities reveal the exceeding greatness of God’s power.
In this devotion, we shall consider the seven operations of the spirit as outlined by prophet Isaiah.
- The spirit of the Lord – This refers to the Lordship of Christ. He is Lord and master over all creation. Every kneel shall bow and every tongue shall confess that Jesus Christ is Lord. He is Lord in all the spheres of life; in heaven, on earth, on the land, in the space and in the sea. He is the head over principalities and powers. Until one recognizes the Lordship of Jesus, one cannot amount to anything in life.
- The spirit of wisdom – Christ is made unto us wisdom. This wisdom speaks of the eternal purpose of God. When one acknowledges the Lordship of Jesus, the wisdom of God is imparted into ones life. This wisdom was revealed at creation and redemption. “But unto them which are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God, and the wisdom of God” – 1 Corinthians 1:24 (KJV).
- The spirit of understanding – The spirit of understanding brings illumination to the believer. It takes away the veil that blocks the heart and that concealed the truth. Apostle Paul prayed for the Ephesian church that the eyes of their understanding be enlightened so they can appreciate the mysteries of the kingdom.
- The spirit of counsel – Jesus is called the wonderful counselor because of the spirit of counsel resting on him (Isaiah 9:6).
- The Spirit of might – This refers to the spiritual energy and stamina to get things done; it is the passion and power that drives the kingdom. “Then he answered and spake unto me saying, This is the word of the Lord unto Zerubbabel, saying, not by might, nor by power, but by my spirit, saith the Lord of host” – Zechariah 4:6 (KJV).
- The spirit of knowledge – This is divine knowledge that comes by revelation. It is experiential knowledge and not head knowledge. As we look into the perfect law of liberty with unveiled faces; we gain true knowledge of God.
- The spirit of the fear of God – This is the beginning of wisdom. The fear of God is to hate sin and stand in awe of God.
Prayer: Father I covet the full manifestation of your spirit in my life.
Rev. Vincent Diolu