Looking beyond

Out of the stump of David’s family will grow a shoot— yes, a new Branch bearing fruit from the old root. And the Spirit of the Lord will rest on him—the Spirit of wisdom and understanding, the Spirit of counsel and might, the Spirit of knowledge and the fear of the Lord. He will delight in obeying the Lord. He will not judge by appearance nor make a decision based on hearsay. He will give justice to the poor and make fair decisions for the exploited. The earth will shake at the force of his word, and one breath from his mouth will destroy the wicked. He will wear righteousness like a belt and truth like an undergarment. (Isaiah 11:1-5)

Jesus took great delight in obeying his Father, just as we should take similar delight in obedience. Upon his shoulder rested great wisdom and understanding - the same wisdom and understanding we can access by simply seeking him. One of the neatest things we see as we read the record of Jesus' time on this earth was his desire to look BEYOND appearance, as well as his determination to not give into hearsay. He saw the 'real' person - reading the intent of their heart and not just the superficial 'display' one 'put out there' for others to see. This is something we could all take a lesson on, isn't it?

Truth and righteousness always helped when judgment could have gotten a bit 'cloudy', didn't it? He saw through the smoke screen many put up, touting their own 'righteous actions', seeing right through to the core of their heart's intent. Whether it was a case of 'look at me', 'see how good I am', or 'I am way better than they are', Jesus always cut to the quick. He wasn't afraid to use truth to expose any sham, nor was he intimidated by unrighteous actions of any sort. He looked both in the eyes and saw right into the heart. That may seem a bit unsettling to some, but truth and righteousness always looks beneath the surface!

Those who wish to follow Jesus need to realize that same Spirit that resided in him is able to reside within us. In fact, when we say 'yes' to Jesus, that Spirit takes up residence within, giving us similar 'counsel' as he gave Jesus as he walked this earth. Sometimes we don't always 'feel' his presence within, but we can trust that he is the one who is developing that desire within us for obedience. That desire isn't part of our own nature - it is all his doing! Perhaps one of the greatest things we can seek is righteousness and truth. Then we will be able to see beyond the appearances and resist the urge to listen to hearsay, as well. Just sayin!