Isaiah 11
Today's Passage: Isaiah 11
Isaiah gives a beautiful messianic prophecy that clearly points to Jesus Christ. This prophecy comes on the heels of Isaiah’s stern prophecy of judgment on God’s people and shows God’s faithfulness and steadfast love towards his people despite their wickedness. Let’s dive into the specifics.
The Character of Christ
Verses 1-5 give a detailed description of this future messiah. Notice that his characteristics are not military accolades or physical appearances, instead they are characteristics of holiness. Specifically, Isaiah notes that this Messiah is crowned with the Holy Spirit. This depiction aligns perfectly with Jesus, who was anointed with the Holy Spirit during his baptism, signifying his unique role as the beloved Son of God.
"And when Jesus was baptized, immediately he went up from the water, and behold, the heavens were opened to him, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and coming to rest on him; and behold, a voice from heaven said, “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased.” Matthew 3:16-17
In Matthew 3:16-17, the descent of the Spirit upon Jesus solidifies the connection between Isaiah's prophecy and Christ's life. Jesus is the Spirit-crowned-messiah that bridges the gap between Heaven and Earth. Jesus is the very embodiment of righteousness, faithfulness, and justice.
The Kingdom of Christ
Isaiah's verses 6-10 envision a kingdom marked by unprecedented peace, a stark departure from the typical notions of power and conquest. This portrayal aligns with the message and mission of Jesus, who proclaimed a message of peace, forgiveness, and reconciliation. While Colossians 1:20 confirms the present spiritual peace offered through Christ's sacrifice, the ultimate fulfillment of this peace is still to come, as revealed in Revelation 21:4.
“He will wipe away every tear from their eyes,
and there will be no more death
or mourning or crying or pain,
for the former things have passed away”
Revelation 21:4
So take heart, though today is full of pain, toil, and sorrow, Christ will come again and make all things new! His Kingdom is here within our hearts, making spiritual peace with God through His blood, but soon it will be a physical and comprehensive peace.
The People of Christ
Lastly, verses 11-16 outline the gathering of God’s people. Remember, Israel is currently divided and scattered. They have experienced exile and banishment from the promised land. The Messiah will restore and gather his people under his righteous kingdom. The enemies of God will be destroyed and his people will be restored. Jesus did not fulfill this the way that the Jewish people thought or hoped he would. He didn’t destroy Rome and then gather his people within a city. Instead dismantled the kingdom of death, and united a people from every language, tribe, and tongue through his death and resurrection.
So, If you confess that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God has raised him from the dead, then you have been saved and made a citizen of Heaven!
As we await the full realization of this Kingdom, we are called to live with purpose and share the Good News of Jesus. The prophecy reminds us that God's Word can be trusted, and as we place our trust in Him, we can find hope, assurance, and a mission to spread the message of Christ's redemptive love.
Written By: Joe Weaverhttps://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Isaiah+11&version=NLT
Isaiah gives a beautiful messianic prophecy that clearly points to Jesus Christ. This prophecy comes on the heels of Isaiah’s stern prophecy of judgment on God’s people and shows God’s faithfulness and steadfast love towards his people despite their wickedness. Let’s dive into the specifics.
The Character of Christ
Verses 1-5 give a detailed description of this future messiah. Notice that his characteristics are not military accolades or physical appearances, instead they are characteristics of holiness. Specifically, Isaiah notes that this Messiah is crowned with the Holy Spirit. This depiction aligns perfectly with Jesus, who was anointed with the Holy Spirit during his baptism, signifying his unique role as the beloved Son of God.
"And when Jesus was baptized, immediately he went up from the water, and behold, the heavens were opened to him, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and coming to rest on him; and behold, a voice from heaven said, “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased.” Matthew 3:16-17
In Matthew 3:16-17, the descent of the Spirit upon Jesus solidifies the connection between Isaiah's prophecy and Christ's life. Jesus is the Spirit-crowned-messiah that bridges the gap between Heaven and Earth. Jesus is the very embodiment of righteousness, faithfulness, and justice.
The Kingdom of Christ
Isaiah's verses 6-10 envision a kingdom marked by unprecedented peace, a stark departure from the typical notions of power and conquest. This portrayal aligns with the message and mission of Jesus, who proclaimed a message of peace, forgiveness, and reconciliation. While Colossians 1:20 confirms the present spiritual peace offered through Christ's sacrifice, the ultimate fulfillment of this peace is still to come, as revealed in Revelation 21:4.
“He will wipe away every tear from their eyes,
and there will be no more death
or mourning or crying or pain,
for the former things have passed away”
Revelation 21:4
So take heart, though today is full of pain, toil, and sorrow, Christ will come again and make all things new! His Kingdom is here within our hearts, making spiritual peace with God through His blood, but soon it will be a physical and comprehensive peace.
The People of Christ
Lastly, verses 11-16 outline the gathering of God’s people. Remember, Israel is currently divided and scattered. They have experienced exile and banishment from the promised land. The Messiah will restore and gather his people under his righteous kingdom. The enemies of God will be destroyed and his people will be restored. Jesus did not fulfill this the way that the Jewish people thought or hoped he would. He didn’t destroy Rome and then gather his people within a city. Instead dismantled the kingdom of death, and united a people from every language, tribe, and tongue through his death and resurrection.
So, If you confess that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God has raised him from the dead, then you have been saved and made a citizen of Heaven!
As we await the full realization of this Kingdom, we are called to live with purpose and share the Good News of Jesus. The prophecy reminds us that God's Word can be trusted, and as we place our trust in Him, we can find hope, assurance, and a mission to spread the message of Christ's redemptive love.
Written By: Joe Weaverhttps://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Isaiah+11&version=NLT
1 Comment
This was a great way to start the week off! Thank you, Joe! My prayer is that I will be on mission this week to share the gospel!