Meditations on Healthy Living

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 CHRIST yet this Old Testament prophet foretells the following New Testament events:

  1. John the Baptist gave his testimony as a witness to JESUS the MESSIAH. In Luke 1:32 John says: “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.”
  2. JESUS was the Spirit of Wisdom, even in HIS youth and early ministry. HE was wise in all things (the way HE taught, the way HE answered questions, the way HE counseled. HE became for us Wisdom from GOD. (See 1Cor. 1:30)
  3. JESUS is a Wonderful Counselor because HE not only understands our predicament, but HE judges the heart (not our status, our finances, our clothing, nor our material things). We can always tell Jesus all about our troubles.
  4. JESUS has the love and might to help us. HE calms the stormy seas of life; HE has power over death; HE is our High Priest intervenes on our behalf before THE FATHER. (See Hebrews 4:14-16)
  5. JESUS was totally obedient to HIS FATHER---unlike the rest of humanity (including each of us), HE never sinned. HE delighted in doing the FATHER’s will. HE was the perfect servant. HE humbled himself. Even when it was hard, Jesus allowed the FATHER’s will to be done. HE was obedient, even death on the cross. (See, Philippian 2:8)
  6. JESUS came from the lineage of King David—from David’s “stump.” This royal line had been laid dormant for at least 600 years before Jesus (our KING) came long—thus, JESUS was like a new green “Branch” rising out of an old dormant “root.” (See, Revelation 5:5)

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!

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. Root vegetables include the following:

Because roots help support and nourish the plant, root vegetables are generally high in vitamins and minerals. They also tend to have low calories and high fiber. Many root vegetables are high in Vitamin A, B, C and high in antioxidants, substances that help prevent disease and help to prevent cell damage.

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. On non-raw days, root vegetables make great soups.

Root Teas

There are also a number of teas made from roots including ginger root tea, ginseng root tea, beetroot tea, licorice root tea, marshmallow root tea, sarsaparilla root tea, yellow dock root tea, dandelion root tea, etc.) Be sure to read the information about your root tea carefully because some root teas are not recommended for everyone. For example, valerian root tea is not recommended for pregnant women, nursing mothers or persons with liver disease and may interact with medication. Many of our ancestors used root teas medicinally.

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 as the Messiah. Thus, when we pray in the name of “JESUS CHRIST,” we affirm that HE is our Messiah—our Wonderful Counselor, our Wisdom, our Might, our High Priest. It is an affirmation of HIM being GOD’s “Anointed One.”

For Christians, celebrating JESUS CHRIST, THE MESSIAH is not a one-day event. It’s not a 25 day December countdown. Christians celebrate CHRIST every time we pray. In prayer, Christians are rooted in CHRIST every day.

So, in the days ahead, if whenever anyone looks at you anxiously and asks: “Are you ready for Christmas?” Just smile and say “Absolutely! It’s rootimentary! (sic).

Pray, stay grounded, rooted in the word and BE BLESSED!