Peace, Joy, Love, Perfection
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Isaiah 9: 6-7
6. For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government will be upon his shoulder, and his name will be called "Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace." 7. Of the increase of his government and of peace there will be no end, upon the throne of David, and over his kingdom, to establish it, and to uphold it with justice and with righteousness from this time forth and for evermore. The zeal of the Lord of hosts will do this.
Dictionary.com defines zeal: “1. enthusiastic devotion to a cause, ideal, or goal and tireless diligence in its furtherance; 2. excessive fervor to do something or accomplish some end.”
Easton's 1897 Bible Dictionary provides many scriptural references to God’s zeal, and/or the zeal of believers whom God uses to fulfill His purpose on earth. Some of those references caution us that zeal without the proper motivation or grounding in God, is futile and can even bring about destruction. My conclusion is that if we have zeal FOR the LORD, we will benefit from the zeal OF the LORD.
Ever pursue His Word, recorded in the Bible. It contains all the instruction we need in how to live rightly. Living, breathing examples of flawed human beings are able to overcome tremendous obstacles and odds against them because of God’s zeal to bring about His kingdom on earth. Obedience = peace. And neither obedience nor peace is possible for very long without a right heart and mind, focused on God and the gift of the Savior.
God was and is so devoted to us, adores and desires us so very much that he sent Jesus as one last and everlasting atonement for our imperfection and disobedience. He gave us a Wonderful Counselor to show us, in flesh and blood, how to live; and to put an end to death! He took the form of His imperfect creations in order to make us perfect. I can’t think of a more powerful demonstration of devotion. I don’t think there is a word in any language that describes how much God desires and loves us!
Obedience = peace. Zeal = joy. God = love. Jesus = perfection.
My prayer today is that you zealously proclaim the joy only possible through Jesus Christ. And that you spread the love and peace of Jesus Christ throughout your day.
Mary
