One of the most amazing things about the Bible—other than it being the very breath and essence of God—is that it is alive and active, working to transform our lives every single moment of every single day. When I read and study God’s Word, I often discover something new or have the Holy Spirit reveal a deeper meaning I hadn’t noticed before. This happened when I was reading Isaiah 11:1-2. The passage begins by describing the coming Messiah, Jesus Christ, as a Branch bearing fruit: “Out of the stump of David’s family will grow a shoot—yes, a new Branch bearing fruit from the old root.” This verse paints a beautiful picture of Jesus’ ministry, growing out of what appeared to be a lifeless stump and producing abundant fruit. The chapter continues by describing how the Holy Spirit would anoint Jesus with seven qualities, empowering Him to complete His mission and purpose on earth: “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 [awe and reverence].” We see this prophecy fulfilled in John 1:32, where John the Baptist recounts