September 12
The Big Picture

Today’s Scripture Readings: Psalm 103:20-22 | Isaiah 10:1-11:16 | 2 Corinthians 2:11-21 | Proverbs 23:6-8

Today’s Scripture Focus: Isaiah 11

A shoot will come up from the stump of Jesse; from his roots a Branch will bear fruit. The Spirit of the LORD will rest on him—the Spirit of wisdom and of understanding, the Spirit of counsel and of might, the Spirit of the knowledge and fear of the LORD. (Isaiah 11:1-2 NIV)

When what we see with our eyes doesn’t seem to make sense, it is time to look at the big picture—to get an eternal perspective. For Isaiah, that meant pointing to the hope of the coming Messiah. In earlier chapters he warned of judgment, but even in all that he points to the hope that one day the Messiah will come.

He declares that the Messiah will come from the family of Jesse. The Spirit of the LORD will rest on him. He will judge in perfect righteousness and justice. He will make the wrongs right. He will deal with the sin and injustice. His rule and reign will be marked by righteousness and faithfulness.

All creation looks forward to his Kingdom—his rule and reign. The wolf will live with the lamb, the leopard will lie down with the goat, the calf and the lion and the yearling together; and a little child will lead them.

Infants can play near the hole of a cobra without fear in his kingdom. Cobras and vipers will not harm nor destroy “on his holy mountain.”

Why? The King of kings has come. The Lord of Lords is reigning in glory. The earth is full of the knowledge of the LORD as the waters cover the sea (9).

These same promises continue to give us hope. One day Jesus will return in all of his glory. One day he will establish the Kingdom in its fullness. One day he will reign with a rod of iron and all will bow their knees—they will all be filled with a knowledge of the glory of the Lord. One day the injustices and wrongs will be made right.

Life doesn’t always make sense this side of glory, but one day he’s coming. This is the blessed hope that inspires us to persevere and to overcome. It’s the hope that keeps us lifting our heads in joyful anticipation of the glory that will be revealed. Keep looking up.