12/11/2019 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 CHRIST yet this Old Testament prophet foretells the following New Testament events:
- 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.”
- 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)
- 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.
- 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)
- 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)
- 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!