Soul Devotional - December 22, 2014
Righteousness will be his belt and faithfulness the sash around his waist.The wolf will live with the lamb, the leopard will lie down with the goat, and the calf and the lion and the yearling together; and a little child will lead them....In that day the Root of Jesse will stand as a banner for the peoples; the nations will rally to him, and his place of rest will be glorious (Isaiah 11:5–6, 10).
Jesus came at Christmas to bring God’s peace to a world that needs it. The “Root of Jesse,” which means a descendant of David’s dynasty, is descriptive of the Messiah God’s people were looking for. Jesus, a descendent of David, was the Messiah prophesied by Isaiah. Righteousness and faithfulness would be his belt and sash. These garments were used to ready a man before work or battle.
As we get close to the holiday, what are your thoughts consumed with? What are your worries? Perfect holidays are created on the film set but rarely in our homes.There is usually something that upsets the plans.There is usually someone that upsets the people. And there is the Lord who says “get ready for the holiday. Be righteous and faithful and the peace that God will be yours.“
What does God’s peace look like? It looks like the wolf, living with the lamb. A leopard that lies down with the goat; the calf and the lion and the yearling — all together in one place. And in the midst of all of them, a young child who rules them all. God’s peace is not possible unless Jesus is leading.
Jesus is the banner that all should see when they enter your home. He can be the banner that hangs above the gifts that are given, the meals that are eaten and the conversations that occur. Jesus came to stand as a banner for all people. Is he the banner in your home? If Jesus is our banner, the nations will rally to him.We can restore Christmas, if Jesus stands as the banner over the holiday.
If Jesus is our banner, we can experience the peace of Christmas. Our home and our holiday can be a glorious place of rest. May the peace of God fill your home and our nation — this Christmas and always.
Gerry Michalski | Lead Pastor
Soul Sanctuary