Isaiah 11 reminds me of our recent trip to Disney. As the parade marches down Main Street, all eyes stop to watch. For a moment all language and cultural differences disappear while the familiar songs and characters from childhood pass by. The young watch in awe and the old are invigorated at the sight of Mickey. Isaiah flashes images both old and new of the eternal Messiah 600 years before His birth. They are meant to be the focus of all attention, unique and supreme. He begins, “A shoot will come up from the stump of Jesse; from his roots a Branch will bear fruit. The Spirit of the LORD will rest on Him the Spirit of wisdom and of understanding… the Spirit of the knowledge and fear of the LORD“. After cutting down a tree, the stump can look dead for some time, but the shoot that grows draws strength from the deep roots. It is in essence the same tree, but completely new. Isaiah explains that Christ, “will not judge by what he sees with his eyes… but with righteousness He will judge“. Nothing is hidden from God, His judgment is perfect. We cannot hide behind good works or acts of kindness, God’s standard is perfection! You can pretend you are better than me, but Bible says “There are none righteous, no, not one” (Romans 3:10). Many live in the fantasy world that their group, or denomination or heritage is safe, but please understand Jesus is alone in this parade.
What is the price of admission? This is the good news; your ticket has been paid in full. God “wants all people to be saved” (1Timothy 2:4). There are no discounts; redemption comes only through the blood of Christ which we receive by asking in faith. Isaiah continues, “He will strike the earth with the rod of His mouth“. This is the same image we see in Revelation 19, the Word of God proceeds from His mouth; it is a word of judgment to those under the law and a word of blessing for those who have received God’s grace. “Righteousness will be his belt and faithfulness the sash around his waist“. Are you Goofy enough to think you are righteous on your own?
Next Isaiah describes what is sometimes called the millennial age, the thousand year reign when Jesus returns to rule this earth. Satan has been bound and the Jewish Nation is re-gathered. This is a very different world, much like the world before the flood. “The wolf will live with the lamb… and a little child will lead them… and the lion will eat straw like the ox… The infant will play near the cobra’s den… the earth will be filled with the knowledge of the LORD“.Isaiah explains, “In that day the Root of Jesse will stand as a banner… the Lord will reach out His hand a second time to reclaim the surviving remnant of His people… and gather the exiles of Israel“. I believe this prophesy is given to the Jews as well as the unrepentant gentiles in the last days. Why wait? Those at the end of the parade, after the horses and elephants have to deal with a lot of manure. Isaiah says, “The nations will rally to Him, and His resting place will be glorious“. The last chapter of the last book of the Bible ends like this, “He who testifies to these things says, ‘Yes, I am coming soon.’ Amen. Come, Lord Jesus” (Revelation 22: 20). I believe the show is starting soon, are you ready?