The Baby is Born – Day 25
“Joy to the World, the Lord is Come”
Yesterday, I was blessed to assemble with some saints, and during the message, the pastor brought out a scripture (Isaiah 11:1). Although he used several scriptures, I will use this one that Jesus Himself said who He is. I, Jesus, have sent My angel to testify to you these things in the churches. I am the Root and the Offspring of David, the Bright and Morning Star (Revelation 22:16).
Since we are celebrating the birth of Christ today, the story of Jesus starts from His birth and goes all the way to His kingdom reign, which was prophesied.
And there shall come forth a rod [twig] out of the stem of Jesse, and a Branch [shoot, descendant] shall grow out of his roots (Isaiah 11:1-NKJV). There shall come forth a shoot from the stump of Jesse, and a branch from his roots shall bear fruit (Isaiah 11:1-ESV).
Jesus was the root and offspring of David, whose father was Jesse, which was a part of His ancestry line.
The kingdom had been destroyed History (internet) - The kingdom split in two following the death of King Solomon (r.c. 965-931 BCE) with the Kingdom of Israel to the north and Judah to the south. In 722 BCE the northern kingdom was destroyed by the Assyrians and the population deported as per Assyrian military policy (resulting in the so-called Lost Ten Tribes of Israel). Judah was destroyed by the Babylonians in 598-582 BCE and the most influential citizens of the region taken to Babylon.
Jesus came from the line of Judah (Hebrews 7:14). By Jesus’ day, Herod ruled as Rome’s puppet, and the kingdom seemed dead as a stump.
Excerpt from Charles Stanley - The English translation of the antiphon O Radix Jesse, “O root of Jesse’s tree,” indicates new life can come from that stump. Jesus did far more than simply bring life back to the withering stump of Jesse’s line. He reached beyond Israel, grafting all believers into a new branch of the tree—a tree branching in every direction from the same shoot.
This is the end of the story - And your house and your kingdom shall be established forever before you. Your throne shall be established forever (2 Samuel 7:16).
The scenario is a tree that has been cut down, and only the stump is left.
The Good News- Life was in the stump. So, when you see Baby Jesus laying in a manger looking helpless, it goes beyond that. There is hope! Jesus did not remain a baby, He grew from a child into adulthood, He died on the cross and was raised to bring new life and He will soon reign where there will be no end to is kingdom.
Remember this, when we know history, there is a better understanding.
Jesus brought Joy to the World!
Have a blessed CHRISTmas Day!
~ Betty A. Burnett ~
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