Isaiah 11:10

Barbara Elliott Isaiah 11: 10

And in that day there shall be a Root of Jesse, Who shall stand as a banner to the people; for the Gentiles shall seek Him, and His resting place shall be glorious.



Isaiah writes in this prophetic text of the coming of a Savior, a Holy One who is purer, wiser, and mightier than King David, son of Jesse. This text clearly identifies Jesus Christ as the long awaited Messiah who will rule over His people forever with a Spirit of understanding and the fear of the Lord. Jesus will "stand as a BANNER to the people". This reminds me of the Bible story our children enacted last summer in Vacation Bible School - Moses and Joshua's army fighting in a fierce battle against the Amalek enemy. The children were divided into 2 camps - the Hebrews and the Amoles. As long as Moses held up his staff (or banner), the Hebrew army knew they would be victorious. When Moses grew weary of lifting his staff, Joshua rushed to support Moses arms, allowing the Hebrew army to remain strong and victorious. The children understood that that Moses' banner was a visible sign of God's love for them, giving them courage and stamina to persevere. This same love is available for us to claim if we seek Jesus Christ's ways. His protection, encouragement and support stands ready to lead us to victory over any 'battle' we face. Thank God that Jesus' earthly kingship was not reserved only for the descendants of Jesse. Isaiah says that the Lord shall be hailed as Savior of all people who SEEK HIM, Jew and Gentile alike. All nations will rally to Jesus because he judges His people with true righteousness, faithfulness and justice. The Bible tells us that a new wondrous era will dawn, a time of peace and tranquility when former enemies will be able to dwell together in harmony. Such perfect tranquility will be possible only when Christ reigns over the entire world.

In a world of clashing cultures, politics, and ethnicity, how sorely we need to claim Jesus Christ as Savior! Only through His wise counsel and Spirit of truth can we hope to find lasting peace and harmony for our troubled world.

Lord, help me to seek your vision of peace and harmony for my life. I pray that your BANNER of LOVE will flow through me, enabling me to rest in your peace. AMEN