Isaiah 11:1-3a (NRSV)
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Chapter 11A shoot shall come out from the stump of Jesse, and a branch shall grow out of his roots. Verse 2The spirit of the Lord shall 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. Verse 3His delight shall be in the fear of the Lord. He shall not judge by what his eyes see, or decide by what his ears hear;
Devotion
We live in a time that cries out for wise, global leaders to arise. Economic hardships, changing moral values and tensions between nations are reflected in the news we hear each day. The people of ancient Israel understood this yearning and anticipation. The prophet Isaiah promises that God will raise up a leader who will be wise about the ways of the world and God’s ways. What problems would you set before such a leader today?
Prayer
Holy God, mighty and majestic, even as you sent Jesus to be our hope and salvation, raise up leaders today who model wisdom and understanding for those they lead. We pray for those in positions of responsibility in our community. Bless them with a spirit of wisdom and counsel. Amen.