OCTOBER 25, 2023 – ROOT OF JESSE

READ: Is. 61:1-9

There shall come forth a Rod from the stem of Jesse, and a Branch shall grow out of his roots. The Spirit of the Lord shall rest upon Him, the Spirit of wisdom and understanding, the Spirit of counsel and might, the Spirit of knowledge and of the fear of the Lord. – Is. 11:1-2

The future of David’s royal house is different from that of Assyria. Assyria will be brought down by the LORD like a forest is cut down (10:33-34). Even from David’s house, not much will remain. Only a stump, not named after David, but after Jesse, his father. Yet, from that remaining root, God will cause a branch to grow, which will bear fruit. Not fruit of earthly prosperity, but of heavenly spiritual abundance. On that branch, the Christ, and the Spirit of the LORD will rest.

This text connects with earlier prophecies about the coming Messiah as Immanuel (Is. 7) and the Child who will come (Is. 9). Here, we once again read about His divinity. The beginning of Him seems insignificant: a shoot, a sprout from the roots. But this Child is not only God, He is also greater than David in His humanity: He is filled with the Holy Spirit (see Is. 61:1; Luke 4:1, 17ff).

Unlike the anointing of prophets and kings with the Spirit, the Spirit rests permanently on Him. The Spirit abundantly equips Him with Divine wisdom, understanding, counsel, and power, and the fear of the LORD.

The Christ is fully prepared for His roles as Prophet, Priest, and King on earth. He discerns everything, judges everything justly according to truth, and can therefore judge everyone and everything righteously. He is capable of doing everything perfectly according to the will of the Father (John 5:36; 6:38). He also knows God infallibly in truth and love (Matt. 11:27; John 8:55), He serves, sanctifies, and honors God perfectly (John 17:4).

All these gifts of the Spirit fully govern Him (John 3:34; Col. 2:9). Thus, Christ will perfectly fulfill His work on behalf of God the Father and simultaneously be perfect in our place (Matt. 5:48).

What does becoming conformed to Christ mean to you?

Singing: Ps. 72:1,2