Bible Pathways 8/3/2001
July 31
Read Read Isaiah 10 -- 14
Isaiah the prophet foretold the birth of Jesus Christ, the Son of David, 700 years into the future, proclaiming: There shall come forth a Rod (Shoot or Sprout -- a Descendant) out of the stem of Jesse . . . And the Spirit of the Lord shall rest upon Him (Isaiah 11:1-2). In fulfillment of Isaiah's prophecy, the New Testament records the genealogy of Jesus, which was the son of David, which was the son of Jesse (Luke 3:31-32). At Jesus' baptism, Luke recorded a remarkable revelation of the Trinity when he wrote: The Holy Spirit descended in a bodily shape like a dove upon Him, and a voice (of the Father) came from Heaven, which said, You are My beloved Son; in You I am well pleased (3:22).
Concerning Christ's return to earth and His millennial reign, Isaiah foretold: The earth shall be full of the knowledge of the Lord. . . . In that day there shall be a Root of Jesse, which shall stand for an ensign of the people; to Him shall the Gentiles seek (Isaiah 11:9-10). In exile on the isle of Patmos, John, the beloved disciple, heard Jesus say that He was the fulfillment of the Messianic promise of Isaiah: I Jesus . . . am the Root and the Offspring of David, and the Bright and Morning Star (Revelation 1:9; 22:16). The promise, made through Isaiah, of the Ruler who would come from Jesse, is far-reaching and anticipates the new heavens and the new earth that are yet to be: In that day you shall 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 has done excellent things: this is known in all the earth. Cry out and shout, you inhabitant of Zion: for great is the Holy One of Israel in the midst of you (Isaiah 12:4-6).
Isaiah the prophet also looked beyond the defeat of Assyria to a future time when Babylon would conquer the Kingdom of Judah and force them into captivity. The burden of Babylon (13:1) and of other nations mentioned in chapters 13 -- 23 refers to a strong message of the judgment of God against these nations. Surprising as it may seem, about 180 years before it took place he also foretold that Babylon itself would be defeated and destroyed. Isaiah continued the judgment message of God against Babylon and also foretold that Babylon, the glory of kingdoms . . . shall be as when God overthrew Sodom and Gomorrah. It shall never be inhabited. . . . her time (of destruction) is near (13:19-20,22). In striking contrast, Isaiah foretold of Israel's future restoration and that the Lord will have mercy on Jacob, and will yet choose Israel. . . . and they shall rule over their oppressors (14:1-2).
Until that day, let us say with Isaiah: God is my salvation; I will trust, and not be afraid (regardless of circumstances): for the Lord Jehovah is my strength. . . . Call upon His Name, declare His doings among the people. . . . for great is the Holy One of Israel in the midst of thee (Isaiah 12:2-6).
Christ Revealed: As the Descendant of Jesse, King David's father (Isaiah 11:1; compare Luke 3:31-32). Isaiah 11 reveals Christ's earthly rule of righteousness (Matt. 25:31-46; Rev. 20 -- 21).
Word Studies: 10:1 grievousness means oppression; 10:12 high means proud; 10:20 stay means rely; 10:22 consumption means destruction; 10:33 lop means cut off; 11:10 an ensign means a signal to rally, flag; 14:16 narrowly look upon means gaze at.
Prayer Needs:
Pray for the Bible Pathway Internet Outreach and the Bible Pathway devotions in Arabic, English, French, Hindi, Hungarian, Indonesian, Norwegian, Russian, Spanish, and Swedish that are now online on our website. Let friends and missionaries overseas know that the devotional commentary is now available in these languages · Pray for the Bible Pathway International Radio broadcast in honor of June and Fred Furubotten · Country: Somalia (7 million) on the Horn of Africa · Major languages: Somali and Arabic · Islam is officially favored and all other religions are opposed · 99.8% Muslim; .1% Christian · Prayer Suggestion: When discouraged over material or financial loss, praise the Lord for preparing and providing an eternal home (John 14:1-3).
Optional Reading: Hebrews 11
Memory Verse for the Week: I Corinthians 3:17
