12/18/2013 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 mission and life of Jesus Christ. As Isaiah foretold:
- 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."
- John the Baptist gave his testimony as a witness to Jesus the MESSIAH when John in Luke 1:32 said: "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, in his early ministry –in being 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).
- Jesus has the 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 prays for us; HE is our High Priest and can intervene on our behalf before THE FATHER.
- Jesus was totally obedient to HIS FATHER---unlike the rest of humanity (including each of us), HE passed the obedience test—HE never sinned. HE was never disobedient. HE delighted in doing the FATHER's will. Even when it was hard, Jesus allowed the FATHER's will to be done. HE was obedient unto death, even death on the cross.