Messiah, 140

~ Messiah Would Possess the Spirit of Counsel ~

“Search the Scriptures—they testify of Me.”

— Jesus Christ (John 5:39)

The Scripture

“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).   

The Messiah  

“For when God made a promise to Abraham, because He could swear by no one greater, He swore by Himself, saying, ‘Surely blessing I will bless you, and multiplying I will multiply you.’  And so, after he had patiently endured, he obtained the promise.  For men indeed swear by the greater, and an oath for confirmation is for them an end of all dispute.  Thus God, determining to show more abundantly to the heirs of promise the immutability of His counsel, confirmed it by an oath, that by two immutable things, in which it is impossible for God to lie, we might have strong consolation, who have fled for refuge to lay hold of the hope set before us.  This hope we have as an anchor of the soul, both sure and steadfast, and which enters the Presence behind the veil, where the forerunner has entered for us, even Jesus, having become High Priest forever according to the order of Melchizedek” (Hebrews 6:13-20).

~~~ EXPLANATORY “MESSIAH” NOTES ~~~   

(1)  Each Saturday ALN posts an example of a Hebrew Scriptures prophecy (or foreshadowing) related to the coming Messiah which was fulfilled in the birth, life, death, or resurrection of Jesus Christ.

(2)  While extensive it will not be a complete list—there are hundreds of prophecies of the coming Messiah which have been fulfilled by one man—Jesus Christ at His First Coming.

(3)  It is important that there are many more prophecies of the Messiah, yet unfulfilled, which Christians believe will be fulfilled at the time of His Second Coming.  A particularly relevant Scripture verse in this regard is: “Do not despise prophesies” (1 Thessalonians 5:20).

(4)  These posts will typically consist only of Scripture—which speaks for itself.  Sometimes italicized or bold font will be used by ALN for emphasis.

(5)  The numbering of these fulfilled prophecies of the Messiah is used to differentiate individual posts. It is not chronological (either by time of the prophecy or by sequence in the life of the Messiah).  The posting sequence will, for the most part, be in the order that the prophecies appear in Scripture.

(6)  Because of the chosen methodology (#5 above) we will find many specific prophecies repeated multiple times throughout the Scriptures.

(7)  These serial posts are in addition to our regular Tuesday ALN postings on random topics.

(8)  Subscription to ABUNDANT LIFE NOW blog is simple—just use the link on the left sidebar.  Once subscribed you will not miss future posts.

~ Robert Lloyd Russell, ABUNDANT LIFE NOW

If you found this post personally interesting or helpful, you are welcome to add a link to it on your own blog or website. 

If you would prefer to copy this post, please credit ALN as the source by prominently displaying the following statement:  Reprinted from “Abundant Life Now,” a free blog which offers inspiring moments, thought-provoking comments, and solid Biblical insight (http://RobertLloydRussell.blogspot.com/).

 

Our Whole Armor, 4of9

~ Shoes of Peace ~

“Having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace” (Ephesians 6:15).

Good feet are essential for any soldier.  Without good footwear it is hard for a foot soldier to accomplish military feats.  Good sandals, shoes, or boots represent movement and the ability to go.  There is historical evidence that suggests superior footwear allowed the Roman army to advance successfully due to the spikes on the soles of their footwear.  Good traction provides stability on uneven or slippery ground and provides protection for the feet.  In martial arts the stance is considered critical.  It is only from a proper solid stance that all kinds of kicks and punches can effectively be launched. 

In Biblical days the enemy would sometimes scatter sharp stones or barbed spikes along the main routes to slow the enemy down.  In modern warfare mankind uses land mines, or more recently IEDs (Improvised Explosive Devices) just under the surface.  Satan, the great enemy of Christ and His army is similar in how he scatters snares and traps to slow us, or even stop us, from spreading the gospel of peace. 

The cleats or spikes of a Christian soldier are fashioned by the Word of God.  Jesus said, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature” (Mark 16:15).  When Jesus came to earth the first time, an angel accompanied by a multitude of heavenly beings pronounced, “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, goodwill toward men!” (Luke 2:14).  When He comes the second time it will be as the Prince of Peace bringing lasting peace to His people.   Is it surprising that our foot protection is related to the gospel of peace?  

The Word of God is both an offensive and defensive weapon.  When Satan tempted the Messiah, each temptation was responded to with God’s Word (Matthew 4:1-11). 

The Word of God is likewise critical for our spiritual battles.  We have been given clear commands to go on the offense such as, “And Jesus came and spoke to them, saying, ‘All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth.  Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.’  Amen” (Matthew 28:18-20).  Another related command is, “Sanctify [set apart] the Lord God in your hearts, and always be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear” (1 Peter 3:15). 

We have also been given clear commands about being prepared defensively.  “Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour.  Resist him, steadfast in the faith” (1 Peter 5:8-9a).  Defensive preparation is the major point of the passage we are looking at in this series.  “Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.  For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places.  Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand” (Ephesians 6:11-13). 

don’t miss this  ~  (1) The shoes of peace – Jesus Christ is our peace!  “For He Himself is our peace” (Ephesians 2:14a).  (2) In any war it is the soldier’s responsibility to not only hold his ground but to advance and take new ground.  How are you doing?  When was the last time you witnessed about your Savior?  How long has it been since you gained new souls for the Savior? 

~ Robert Lloyd Russell, ABUNDANT LIFE NOW

If you found this post personally interesting or helpful, you are welcome to add a link to it on your own blog or website. 

If you would prefer to copy this post, please credit ALN as the source by prominently displaying the following statement:  Reprinted from “Abundant Life Now,” a free blog which offers inspiring moments, thought-provoking comments, and solid Biblical insight (http://RobertLloydRussell.blogspot.com/).

Our Whole Armor, 3of9

~ Breastplate of Righteousness ~

“Put on the breastplate of righteousness” (Ephesians 6:14b).  

What a strategic piece of armor—among other things it protects the heart and lungs.  Any wound to the heart or lungs has a high probability of being fatal. 

In the era in which Paul wrote, this breastplate was made of toughened tanned animal skins.  These lightweight yet effective guards were relatively comfortable and allowed the soldier flexibility of movement while providing protection.  The breastplate included leather thongs around the waist area which were tied to loops that were part of the Belt of Truth (the first item of armor to be put in place). 

The heart in Biblical imagery is not just physical but includes our mind, our thinking, our emotions, and therefore our affections.  Just as  physically we are dead without a properly functioning heart, so also spiritually.  Humans are dead spiritually if their hearts are not affectionate towards Jesus Christ and His work on their behalf.   Meanwhile our lungs involve our breathing.  Our heart and lungs are both absolutely vital for life to be sustained.  Breathing reminds us of how the Word of God is “God breathed” and of the Holy Spirit living within us. 

The righteousness we are to put on is Christ’s.  “Put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh, to fulfill its lusts” (Romans 13:14).  “Be renewed in the spirit of your mind, and that you put on the new man which was created according to God, in true righteousness and holiness” (Ephesians 4:23-24).  “Put on the new man who is renewed in knowledge according to the image of Him who created him” (Colossians 3:10). 

Jesus Christ is our model and He also put on the Breastplate of Righteousness.  “For He put on righteousness as a breastplate, and a helmet of salvation on His head” (Isaiah 59:17).  If our Lord, the only Righteous One, felt it necessary to put on this breastplate, how much more do we need to!  We are to put this righteousness on by faith.  “But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him” (Hebrews 11:6). 

The breastplate is particularly useful in close combat.  His righteousness guards our hearts and our thinking when Satan, the master deceiver, hurls accusations and charges at us.  When we walk in the protection of God’s righteousness, we have secured ourselves from Satan’s attacks.  The world, our fallen nature, and our ego (1 John 2:16) all attack our hearts by influencing our affections.  Our heart’s affections are prone to wander.  Jesus warned us for example, “Watch and pray, lest you enter into temptation” (Matthew 26:41a).  Part of the Good News is that by wearing the breastplate of Christ’s righteousness we can win the battles and live obediently for the glory of God, knowing that ultimately He will win the war. 

Remember we are only righteous in God the Father’s eyes when we have put on the breastplate of His Son’s righteousness.  None of us has any merit or righteousness of our own.  However, when we consciously put on the Belt of Truth and the Breastplate of Righteousness, we are being transformed into the image of God’s Son (2 Corinthians 3:18) and consequently will think right in all areas and are protected from all enemies. 

don’t miss this  ~  (1) Do you need open heart surgery (spiritually)?  In what condition is your heart?  Is your heart fully right with God?  Is your Christianity ancient history or current events?  (2) The breastplate of righteousness – Jesus Christ is our righteousness!  I am righteous in God the Father’s eyes because of God the Son’s work for me on the Cross. 

~ Robert Lloyd Russell, ABUNDANT LIFE NOW

If you found this post personally interesting or helpful, you are welcome to add a link to it on your own blog or website. 

If you would prefer to copy this post, please credit ALN as the source by prominently displaying the following statement:  Reprinted from “Abundant Life Now,” a free blog which offers inspiring moments, thought-provoking comments, and solid Biblical insight (http://RobertLloydRussell.blogspot.com/).