December 4: ONE SMALL CHAPTER, ONE GIANT SPAN OF TIME
There shall come forth a shoot from the stump of Jesse, and a branch from his roots shall bear fruit. Isaiah 11:1 (ESV)
Some 200 years before Isaiah penned these words, the LORD had chosen David, Jesse’s youngest son, as the anointed king of Israel (1 Samuel 16:11-13). Under divine protection, David overcame daunting obstacles to eventually lead God’s people into a season of tremendous prosperity. And, though David made some very serious mistakes, he was sincerely repentant. Overall, his rulership was faithful and just and in accordance with divine principles (1 Kings 3:6; 9:4).
The dynasty of David was met with deterioration over the following centuries. In the verse above, that which was left is likened to a mere stump . . . sad imagery, especially as compared to the massive, fruit-bearing tree that should have been symbolic of the chosen nation, if only she had put faithfulness to God as top priority.
But this is not the end of the story. As stated earlier, holy seed is its stump (6:13), the promised Ruler still to come from the line of David! The imagery reveals — via branch and roots — that this anticipated Ruler is not only a descendant, but an ancestor of David, pointing to none other than Christ, the greatest Overcomer of all (John 16:33)! His true followers, divinely empowered to overcome*, have magnificent future blessings to anticipate (see Revelation 2&3) following His second coming.
Chapter 11 of Isaiah weaves, like a tapestry, both comings of the Messiah. These two events are one big picture: two parts of a whole. For the plan of salvation to be complete, both comings are absolutely essential. In humble gratitude, we look back upon the babe in swaddling clothes that foreshadowed His sacrificial death and burial. In reverent obedience we look forward to the return of our mighty and victorious KING OF KINGS AND LORD OF LORDS (Revelation 19:16).
This chapter even goes beyond the millennial reign of the saved with Christ in heaven, where He has prepared a place for us (John 14:1-3). After the first thousand years with Him, the heavenly city will come to be situated upon the earth, and the earth will be recreated before our eyes (Revelation 21). Far beyond the limits of David’s military and political successes, the Son of David will accomplish peace that permeates all of nature, for all of nature was adversely affected by the sin of man. Even the animals will enjoy each other instead of preying upon one another (Isaiah 11:6-8). We cannot imagine the scenes of delight, one after another — for eternity!
The apostle Paul, in love and concern for Christian perseverance, wrote to the believers at Philippi:
*Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you both to will and to do for His good pleasure. Philippians 2:12-13