Wise Gentiles Seek Jesus

O. T. #1586  "Wise Gentiles Seek Jesus"
Dec. 16, 2019
Isaiah 11-Part 3
And in that day there shall be a root of Jesse, which shall stand for an ensign of the people; to it shall the Gentiles seek: and His rest shall be glorious.  (verse 10)

LET IT GLOW

Isaiah has already prophesied that Judah would go into captivity by Babylon, due to their rebellion. However, a remnant of believers and in David's line, would return to Jerusalem. God's people would be dispersed throughout the world. Then Israel and Judah would be reunited. The cities mentioned represent those Jews gathering from the 4 corners of the earth. We know that King Cyrus allowed a remnant of Jews to return to Jerusalem and rebuild the Temple and the city. It was the second restoration of the Jews.

In case you are interested, John MacArthur gives us a list of prophesies concerning the restoration of Israel: Deut. 30:3-5;  Jer. 30:3; Ezek. 37:21, 22; Amos 9:14, 15; Zeph. 3:19, 20; and Zech. 8:7,8.

When we gather with family at Christmas time, do we focus on Jesus or food and gifts? We have a tradition that before we do any of those things, my husband reads Luke 2 so our focus is on Jesus as Savior.

LET IT GROW

Paul was a minister and preacher to the Gentiles. His letters in the New Testament were sent to believers in the churches. In Romans 15:12, Paul speaks of Isaiah saying, There shall be a root of Jesse, and He that shall rise to reign over the Gentiles; In Him shall the Gentiles trust.

Not only were Gentiles saved during the time of the New Testament, but afterwards and to our present day, the Church Age, and also those who come after us. Do we thank God for Hus grace and mercy including us in His kingdom?

We know that the Jews were gathered together when they formed a nation in 1948. These later verses can refer to the premillennial time, also.

There can be no doubt that Isaiah is predicting a coming time of salvation for the Gentiles as well as the Jews. His rest is, literally, place of rest or resting place. In either case it represents the place where God has settled down to rule. The Christian Israelites who have been converted by the gospel are then used of God to reach their yet unconverted neighboring nations. (Falwell)

Do we need a place of rest in our hurried life this Christmas season? Jesus is that place. He is our Prince of Peace.

Ensign is a banner; a sign; a standard. 

Is Jesus our banner, our sign, our standard? The banner should say that Jesus rules over all nations.
The sign of His miraculous birth should tell us Jesus is our salvation. He is our standard for living.

LET IT GO

Thank You Jesus for being my resting place, my Prince of Peace.
Help me share with outers that they, too, can have an inner peace during turbulent times.