Bible Pathway - Aug. 3, 2010
Highlights:
God allows evil kings to punish Israel, but He also punishes evil kings for harming Israel (Is. 10). A prophetic picture of Christ returning in glory (chap. 11), The Holy One of Israel (12:6), our salvation (12:2).
Concerning the return of Jesus to earth and His glorious millennial reign, Isaiah foretold: 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 . . . . The earth shall be full of the knowledge of the Lord, as the waters cover the sea. And in that day there shall be a Root of Jesse, which shall stand for an ensign (rallying flag) of the people; to it shall the Gentiles seek: and His rest shall be glorious (Is. 11:2,9-10).
The promise made through Isaiah concerning Jesus Christ, the Ruler who would come from King David, the Root of Jesse, is far-reaching and anticipates the millennial reign of Christ to be followed by the new heavens and the new earth.
In that day shall ye say, Praise the Lord, call upon His Name, declare His doings among the people, make mention that His Name is exalted. Sing unto the Lord; for He hath done excellent things: this is known in all the earth. Cry out and shout, thou inhabitant of Zion: for great is the Holy One of Israel in the midst of thee (12:4-6).
Isaiah the prophet also looked beyond the defeat and captiviity of Israel, the northern kingdom, by Assyria to the future when Babylon would also carry the people of Judah into captivity. Surprisingly, about 180 years before it took place, he also foretold Babylon's defeat and destruction, saying: Babylon, the glory of kingdoms, the beauty of the Chaldees' excellency, shall be as when God overthrew Sodom and Gomorrah (13:19-20). In striking contrast, Isaiah prophesied Israel's future restoration: The Lord will have mercy on Jacob, and will yet choose Israel, and set them in their own land: and the strangers shall be joined with them, and they shall cleave to the house of Jacob. And the people shall take them, and bring them to their place . . . and they shall rule over their oppressors (14:1-2).
Until that day, let us proclaim to the world with Isaiah: Behold, God is my salvation. . . . the Lord JEHOVAH is my strength and my song; He also is become my salvation. Therefore with joy shall ye draw water out of the wells of salvation (Is. 12:2-3).
Thought for Today:
But I have trusted in Thy mercy; my heart shall rejoice in Thy salvation (Ps. 13:5).
Christ Revealed:
As the Descendant of Jesse, King David's father (Is. 11:1; compare Luke 3:31-32). 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 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 Needs:
Pray for International Broadcasts sponsored by Margaret Brown • Staff: Dr. John A. Hash • Government Official: Sen. Roland Burris (IL) and Rep. Christopher Murphy (CT) • Country: St. Vincent and The Grenadines (120,000) in the Lesser Antilles of the eastern Caribbean • Major languages: English and French patois • Religious freedom • 50% Protestant; 17% Roman Catholic; 2% spiritist • Prayer Suggestion: Pray aloud with your voice — God hears (Ps. 3:4).
Optional Reading: Hebrews 11
Memory Verse for the Week: 2 Corinthians 4:11
