Isaiah 11:1-2 The royal line of David will be cut off, chopped down like a tree; but from the stump will grow a Shoot [Christ, the Messiah]—yes, a new Branch from the old root. And the SPIRIT of the LORD shall rest upon HIM, the SPIRIT of wisdom, understanding, counsel and might; the SPIRIT of knowledge and of the fear of the LORD. HIS delight will be obedience to the LORD. [Living Bible translation]
Definition: The word “Messiah” is a term used in Judaism, Christianity, and Islam to reference the redeemer who will come. Christians believe that JESUS CHRIST is THE MESSIAH (i.e., GOD’s Anointed One).
Summary
The prophet Isaiah lived over 700 years before the birth of JESUS, yet this Old Testament prophet foretells:
- John the Baptist giving his testimony as a witness to JESUS the MESSIAH. John states: “I saw the Spirit descending from heaven like a dove, and it abode upon him,” –thus fulfilling Isaiah’s prophesy that “The Spirit of the Lord shall rest upon HIM.” (See John 1:32)
- JESUS was the Spirit of Wisdom, in his early ministry –in being wise in all things (the way HE taught, the way HE answered questions, the way HE prayed). HE became for us Wisdom from GOD. (See 1Cor. 1:30)
- JESUS is a Wonderful Counselor because HE not only understands our predicament, but HE judges the heart). We can always tell JESUS all about our troubles.
- JESUS has love and might to help us. HE can calm the stormy winds and seas of life. HE can feed us. HE has power over death. HE is The Mighty GOD (See Isaiah 9:6)
- JESUS was totally obedient to HIS FATHER---unlike the rest of humanity, HE passed the obedience test—HE never sinned. HE delighted in doing the FATHER’s will. HE was the perfect servant. HE was obedient unto death, even death on the cross. (See Philippian 2:8) HE was called before HIS birth to be GOD’s Servant and to manifest GOD’s glory. (See Isaiah 49:1,3)
- JESUS came from the lineage of King David—from David’s “stump.” This royal Davidic line had been laid dormant for at least 600 years before Jesus came along. Thus, JESUS was like a new green “Branch” rising out of an old dormant “root.”
- Isaiah also prophesized:
- HE would be born of a virgin (Isaiah 7:14);
- HE would be a light to the Gentiles (Isaiah 42:6; 49:6);
- HE would triumph over death. (Isaiah 53:10);
- HE will govern the world (Isaiah 9:6);
- HE will bring true justice and peace to all nations (Isaiah 9:7); and
- HE will make sure truth and righteousness prevail throughout the earth. (Isaiah 42:3-6).
So, that at the name of JESUS, every knee shall bow… and every tongue shall confess that JESUS CHRIST IS LORD! [Isaiah 45:23-24; Philippians 2:9-11] No wonder heaven and earth (e.g., the heavenly host of angels, the wise men, the women (Mary and Elizabeth), and the shepherds) rejoiced and were glad in HIM!
Root Vegetables
Root vegetables are a great way to help your body maintain strength and fight fatigue. Root vegetables generally refer to any underground part of a plant.
Some of the most popular root vegetables include:
Carrots –Helps fight free radicals; a rich source of beta-carotene, a powerful antioxidant. Beta carotene protects vision, including night vision. Carrots are good for the heart and also help to regulate blood sugar. Because carrots are rich in fiber, they improve our stomach and intestine, helping to prevent diarrhea or constipation.
Parsnips – Parsnips are a root vegetable related to the carrot, only lighter in color, and to celery and parsley. It is also considered good for healthy bowel movement because of the large amount of fiber. Because they can have a pungent flavor, it may be better to eat the younger, smaller parsnips raw in salads than the older more woody parsnips.
Sweet Potato –Sweet potatoes contain vitamin C, vitamin B, dietary fiber, manganese, beta-carotene (An antioxidant, a substance that protects cells against oxidation damage which, it is thought, can lead to cancer), cooper, and biotin. They are also rich in iron and potassium. Be sure to wash your sweet potatoes thoroughly before eating.
Beets – Beets are a good source of fiber, folate (Vitamin B9), manganese, potassium, and iron. Beetroots are associated with improved blood flow, lower blood pressure, and increase exercise performance.
Ginger – This is known for eliminating gastrointestinal distress, preventing motion sickness and seasickness, and for its relief of nausea and vomiting during pregnancy. The anti-inflammatory properties of ginger also allegedly help to relieve the muscular discomfort and pain of osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. Again, check with your own doctor about such claims if you are pregnant or have a medical condition.
Because root vegetables are in the ground or close to the ground, it is best to eat organic to avoid the risk of pesticides. The moisture in root vegetables will depend on a number of variables, including the size of the vegetable, the age, where it is grown, and when it is harvested. Root vegetables can be grated, thinly sliced into small pieces, and even juiced. Root vegetables often make great soups.
STAY ROOTED IN CHRIST
The Greek word for “Messiah” (anointed one) is “Christos.” Thus, the name “JESUS CHRIST” joins a name and a title referring to JESUS THE MESSIAH. When we pray in the name of “JESUS CHRIST,” we affirm that HE is our MESSIAH—our Wonderful Counselor, our Wisdom, our Mighty GOD, our High Priest. It is an affirmation of HIS being GOD’s “ANOINTED ONE.”
We celebrate CHRIST every time we pray. We are rooted in CHRIST through prayer. Every prayer is an affirmation of HIS birth, HIS resurrection, HIS Love, and our dependence on HIM as our HIGH PRIEST and SAVIOR.
Isaiah’s prophetic words are not just for first-century Jews and Christians in the New Testament, they are for all of us—from the 1st to the 21st Century and beyond. Isaiah’s GOD-given prophecies give us spiritual strength, assurance, hope, and a history of our roots.
Isaiah lets us know JESUS is THE MESSIAH and HE is the true hope of the world.
So, be strong, stay rooted, be prayerful, and BE BLESSED!
