In Today's Scripture Reading:
Assyria to be broken; promise of Israel's restoration; Christ, the Branch; thanksgiving for God's mercies; Babylon's doom predicted; Israel to be preserved
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 (Isaiah 11:2,9-10). The promise made through Isaiah concerning 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 of the northern kingdom by Assyria to the future when Babylon would 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 (Isaiah 12:2-3).
Christ Revealed:
As the Descendant of Jesse, King David's father (Isaiah 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 eternal rule (Matthew 25:31-46; also Revelation 20-22).
Word Studies:
10:1 grievousness => oppression, injustice; 10:12 high => proud; 10:20 stay => rely; 10:22 consumption => destruction; 10:33 lop b> cut off; 14:16 narrowly look upon => gaze at.
Prayer Needs:
Pray for The English International Shortwave Radio Broadcast sponsored by Reverend Leonard P. Miller Staff: Benjamin Wallace Government Official: Rep. Christopher Murphy (CT) Country: Chad (7 million) in north-central Africa Major languages: French and Arabic Limited religious freedom 35% Muslim; 31% animist; 11% Protestant; 5% Roman Catholic Prayer Suggestion: Let the Lord have all your worries and cares; He is always thinking about you and things that concern you ( I Peter 5:7).
Optional Reading: Hebrews 11
Memory Verse for the Week: Galatians 2:20