03.02

More on Jesus and the Holy Spirit "A Branch shall grow out of his roots. 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 11:1-2)"

In this prophecy of the Messiah, we are told how the Lord Jesus (walking upon earth as a
man) would function in order to manifest godliness. He would live by this prophetic
promise: "The Spirit of the LORD shall rest upon Him."

The Holy Spirit operating in Jesus would be to Him "the Spirit of wisdom and
understanding." No one ever displayed wisdom like Christ. Whether dealing with the woman
taken in adultery (John 8:2-11) or answering provoking questions about Caesar's image on a
coin (Luke 20:20-26), He wisely circumvented every attempt to undermine His ministry.
Jesus also demonstrated perfect understanding. When confronting the self-righteous scribes
and Pharisees (Matthew 23:13-35), He applied perfect discernment, exposing the corruption
of their hearts.

Operating in Jesus, the Holy Spirit would also be to Him "the Spirit of counsel and
might." Jesus was truly the "Wonderful Counselor" (Isaiah 9:6). When counseling Nicodemus,
the religious ruler (John 3:1-21), and the Samaritan woman at the well (John 4:7-42), He
fully gave them what their hearts were seeking in the truths they needed to hear. Also,
Jesus distinctively exhibited the might of God. Whether boldly speaking to calm the raging
sea (Mark 4:35-41) or courageously remaining silent at His trial (Matthew 27:11-14), the
mighty power of God was on majestic display.

Ministering to Jesus, the Holy Spirit would also be to Him "the Spirit of knowledge and of
the fear of the LORD." No one ever possessed knowledge like the Lord Jesus. "Jesus did not
commit Himself to them, because He knew all men" (John 2:24). "Jesus knew that His hour
had come that He should depart from this world to the Father" (John 13:1). Jesus not only
had thorough knowledge, but that knowledge was always controlled by "the fear of the
LORD." Everything that Jesus ever did was under the full influence of His godly fear
(reverential trust and loving respect) toward the Father. "The Father has not left Me
alone, for I always do those things that please Him" (John 8:29).

Remember, all of these wondrous expressions of Jesus' character were based upon the
enabling work of the Holy Spirit. "The Spirit of the LORD shall rest upon Him." This same
Spirit of God can bring forth in our lives every appropriate application of these same
realities manifested in the life of Jesus.

"Who is like You, O Lord? Who could ever match Your majestic character—certainly not me.
Yet, I need manifestations of such fruit in my life. Please work deeply in me by Your Holy
Spirit, producing such Christlikeness, I pray, in Your holy name, Amen."