Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace, - Today's Devotional -December 25, 2023
"For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the greatness of his government and peace, there will be no end. He will reign on David's throne and over his kingdom, establishing and upholding it with justice and righteousness from that time on and forever. The zeal of the Lord Almighty will accomplish this." —Isaiah 9:6-7
"For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve others and to give his life as a ransom for many." —Matthew 20:28
When we read Isaiah's description of King Jesus and Jesus' self-description and His mission to humanity, it is quite inconceivable. The Second Person of the Triune Godhead willingly lowered Himself to the level of a servant. What kind of love is this?
Unless the Holy Spirit permeates our mind, character, and soul, we will never understand the love required for one to possess this level of humility. If we comprehended the magnitude of the lovely Christ, we would live a humble and obedient life always seeking the Father's will.
This morning as I meditated on King Jesus willingly surrendering Himself to be a servant to humanity [knowing that most would reject the gift of His life—Salvation], I prayed and asked the Holy Spirit to give me a deeper understanding of agape love, salvation, grace, and mercy, and humility. Without discernment from the Spirit of God, none could ever live righteously based on our human thoughts and efforts.
For now, we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known. —1Corinthians 13:12
We were born with a selfish carnal heart that is driven to pursue the sensational pleasures of this world—therefore, without the Holy Spirit, we cannot perceive the significance of the precious gift of our Savior's life and the spiritual transformation required to receive our reward of eternal life. Yet, all is well, because spiritual discernment is just a prayer away.
"If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you." —James 1:5, NIV
We were created with the inability to discern spiritual things without Divine wisdom. God placed these boundaries to curtail the innate trait of self-reliance. He invites us to pray for spiritual wisdom, "Call to Me, and I will answer you, and show you great and mighty things, which you do not know" (Jeremiah 33:3).
If we surrender and ask for spiritual wisdom, our lives will change! Wisdom will open our eyes to understand the character of Christ. Yes, we will sing loudly, "Joy to the World, the Lord has Come!" because His earthly arrival and victory over death frees us from the enslavement of sin.
But there is more! Our King who wears the Crown of Honor and Glory still wears the crown of humility, serving as our Heavenly Intercessor, Christ receives every prayer, forgives us of our repented sins, and covers us with never-ending grace. Not only will we strive to live righteously, we will cease pursuing the pleasures of life.
As we celebrate the life of Christ, pray for the Holy Spirit to give you the wisdom to comprehend the gift of life that all of humanity has received from our "Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace."
Prayer: God, we thank You for the Gift above all gifts, Jesus, Your Lamb who washes away our sins. Give us a clean, pure heart so we can receive the wisdom to understand great and mighty things. We desire to live righteously as one who is grateful for receiving such a precious inheritance. Thank You, Jesus, for Your love and Your life! In Jesus' Righteous Name, we pray. Amen.
Have a blessed and wonderful Spirit-filled holiday season!
© 2023 Steps 2 Success with Spiritual Solutions and Woman, You Are Loved by God
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