[As I started this devotion this morning, this song began to play by Laura Story:
“Stay close by My side And you’ll never walk alone Keep your eyes on Me And you’ll never be in need Though this life is hard Know that I will always give you perfect peace I will give you perfect peace”] “For to us a child is born, TO US A SON IS GIVEN, and THE GOVERNMENT WILL BE ON HIS SHOULDERS. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, PRINCE OF PEACE. Of the greatness of his government and peace there will be no end… The zeal of the LORD Almighty will accomplish this.” (Isa. 9:6-7) [Many great and wonderful things were accomplished when God sent His only begotten Son to us. Isaiah the prophet tells us they shall be done by the Messiah, Immanuel, that son of a virgin whose birth he had foretold (Isa_7:14), and now speaks of, in the prophetic style, as something already done: the child is born, not only because IT WAS AS CERTAIN, and he was AS CERTAIN of it as if it had been done already, but because the church before his incarnation reaped great benefit and advantage by His task being done in His virtue from that first promise concerning the seed of the woman. As he was the Lamb slain, so he was the child born, from the foundation of the world!] “In reading this, then, you will be able to understand my insight into the MYSTERY OF CHRIST, which was not made known to people in other generations as it has now been revealed by the Spirit to God’s holy apostles and prophets. This mystery is that THROUGH THE GOSPEL THE GENTILES ARE HEIRS TOGETHER WITH ISRAEL, members together of one body, and sharers together in the promise in Christ Jesus.” (Eph. 3:4-6) [It is indeed a miracle that Jews and Gentiles can be members together in one body!] “I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, SO THAT CHRIST MAY DWELL IN YOUR HEARTS THROUGH FAITH…” (Eph. 3:16-17a) [So we need to be strengthened so we may do our part in this great ministry!] “…I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may HAVE POWER, together with all the Lord’s holy people, TO GRASP how wide and long and high and deep IS THE LOVE OF CHRIST, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge–that YOU MAY BE FILLED TO THE MEASURE OF ALL THE FULLNESS OF GOD. Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work WITHIN US…” (Eph. 3:17b-20)
Be blessed as you praise The Lord, knowing that WE MAY BE FILLED TO THE MEASURE OF ALL THE FULLNESS OF GOD.!
-Bill Stockham