Read Isaiah 10 – 14
Highlights:
Check this out: Israel angers God; God uses unjust kings to punish Israel; God's anger subsides; God punishes unjust kings for harming Israel (chap. 10); A prophetic picture of Christ returning in glory (chap. 11; Lk 1:31-32; Acts 15:15-16); David's Son (11:10); The Holy One of Israel (chap. 12); Our strength, song, and salvation (12:2); Lucifer, 'day-star,' Satan (chap. 14).
And there shall come forth a rod out of the stem of Jesse, and a Branch shall grow out of his roots: And 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 (Isa. 11:1-2).
There are many Old Testament prophecies that point us toward the coming of the Messiah, Jesus Christ, in the New Testament. A few of these can be found in the Book of Isaiah. This prophecy in particular reveals much to us about not only Jesus, but the Holy Spirit as well.
There are many prophecies that foretell the earthly heritage of Christ. Genealogy is an important thing in the Word of God. Sometimes we refer to genealogies as the “begat” Scriptures. There are many places in the Bible where particular genealogies are laid out leading up to, or back from, a certain individual.
We see in the New Testament that two of the Gospels, Matthew and Luke, record genealogies of Jesus. This prophecy shares that Jesus will come from the line of Jesse. To be even more specific, Jesus was a descendant of David. He shall be great, and shall be called the Son of the Highest: and the Lord God shall give unto Him the throne of His father David (Luke 1:32). Concerning His Son Jesus Christ our Lord, which was made of the seed of David according to the flesh (Romans 1:3).
This prophecy also tells us that the spirit of the Lord will empower Christ. It is important to remember that Christ is not some angel given special rank. He is no mere created being. He is God the Son made flesh on earth. Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call His name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us (Matt. 1:23).
There are also some descriptive terms of how the empowerment of the Holy Spirit will be upon Christ. He will have wisdom and understanding. This will enable Him to discern right from wrong. He will be gifted with ability to give good counsel. He will have the might to stand against any enemy. He will have great knowledge of not only godly things, but everything He might ever need information about. Finally, He will have fear or reverence towards God the Father.
These traits listed are sometimes referred to as the seven-fold ministry of the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit manifested these fruits in the life of Christ. If we live in obedience to the Word of God, the Holy Spirit will allow these fruits to work in our lives as well.
That the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give unto you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of Him (Eph. 1:17).
Thought for Today:
Those who make laws to justify evil will be condemned.
Christ Revealed:
As the Descendant of Jesse, King David's father (Is. 11:1; comp. Luke 3:23,31-32). Isaiah 11 reveals Christ's coming earthly rule of righteousness. One day soon Jesus will return to earth in all the fullness of His glory and will be accompanied by His angels. Then He will set up the millennial Kingdom of His creation; this will be the beginning of His rightful eternal rule over His creation (Matt. 25:31-46; also (Rev. 20-22).
Word Studies:
10:1 grievousness, oppression, injustice; 10:12 high, proud; 10:20 stay, rely; 10:22 consumption, destruction; 10:33 lop, cut off; 14:16 narrowly look upon, gaze at.
Prayer Suggestion: Pray to be considerate to the less fortunate (Ps. 41:1).
Optional Reading: Hebrews 11
Memory Verse for the Week: Galatians 6:10
