Just Ask

“And there shall come forth a rod out of the stem of Jesse, and a Branch shall grow out of his roots: And 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 KJV

1.     The Spirit of the Lord YAHWEH is a spirit of prophecy.

In this text, Isaiah the prophet tells us who Jesus is, a descendant of King David, and the one who would be the ratified recipient of the fullness of the Holy Spirit. The dove released from Noah’s ark (Genesis 8:11) finally found a place to rest upon Christ. As Jesus came up out of His baptismal waters (Matthew 3:16-17), God the Spirit, like a dove, descended and stayed upon God the Son. This being confirmed by the voice of God the Father, saying Jesus is His beloved Son in whom He delights.

2.     The Spirit of Wisdom is a spirit of skillfulness manifested in many forms of creativity.

This creativity could include craftmanship, music, writing, business, art, and would also include help for judicial matters (1 Kings 3). This creative anointing came upon Bezaleel, Aholiab and others, as illustrated in Exodus 31.

3.     The Spirit of Understanding is one of discernment to know the truth.

This understanding helps one to interpret dreams and understand mysteries, like riddles or parables. Joseph and Daniel had this gift.

4.     The Spirit of Counsel is one of advice, counsel, or ability to give guidance and purpose.

This is necessary for leadership in the church, the marketplace and our homes.

5.     The Spirit of Might speaks of valor and mighty deeds.

This is a picture of a warrior. Think of Gideon or David. A believer-soldier who actively puts on the armor of God to go to battle (Ephesians 6) and follows the orders of our Lord Jesus Christ—The Commander of Angel Armies!

6.     The Spirit of Knowledge is one of revelation.

This is not something we acquire by being taught at school or reading a book, but rather through spending intimate time in His presence and allowing the Holy Spirit to unveil things we could not have known except through divine revelation.

7.     The Spirit of the Fear of the Lord YAHWEH is being in awe and reverential worship.

This is absolute and utter devotion to God. “Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy strength, and with all thy mind.” Luke 10:27

To be like Christ, we all desperately need more of the Holy Spirit… but how do we get more? Jesus tells us. We have to ask!

“If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children: how much more shall your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to them that ask him?” Luke 11:13

—Paul