There shall come forth a rod out of the stem of Jesse. —Isaiah 11:1 KJV
Throughout history, the Jews longed for a warrior Messiah. The deliverance they sought was tied to the One who would wield the “rod” of justice with divine retribution. But rod in Isaiah 11:1 is better translated as a small branch. By connecting it to Jesse—a common man—Isaiah reinforced the humble nature of Jesse’s descendant, born generations later.
Herein lies the gospel. In the previous chapter, the prophet described Israel’s enemies as a lofty forest. Yet this One who would grow up “like a young plant” (Isa. 53:2) would triumph over our most towering enemies: the tyranny of Satan, the torment of hell, and the finality of the grave.
Isaiah 10 describes this victory: “The Lord GOD of Armies will chop off the branches with terrifying power (v. 33). The tiny infant we celebrate at Christmas will one day be revealed “from heaven with his powerful angels, when he takes vengeance with flaming fire” (2 Thess. 1:7–8). From apparent weakness to consuming power—I dare you to sing that message in somber tones.
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Born a Child and Yet a King: The Gospel in the Carols
©2020 Revived Hearts Foundation
Scripture taken from The CSB
Make it Personal
Today when you feel outmatched, remember that Jesus is bigger than whatever feels too big for you.