12/23/2020 FROM A ROOT
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!