A Rule of the Branch
Minister: |
Rev. Ronald Van Overloop |
Date: |
12/14/2014 PM
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Text:
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Isaiah 11:2-9
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Psalters: |
9, 260, 385, 248 |
- The Branch is a ruler/king; the kind of king He is determines what kind of rule He exercises.
- First, He is described as receiving the Spirit who equips Him to perform a work.
- The Branch is equipped to be a prophet, with the Spirit giving wisdom and understanding.
- The Branch is equipped to be a priest, with the Spirit giving the knowledge and fear of Jehovah.
- The Branch is equipped to be king, with the Spirit giving counsel and might.
- The Branch’s rule is characterized by the fear of Jehovah (3).
- Thus equipped the Branch is enthroned to care for His people and to destroy the wicked.
- He exercises His rule over the wicked world with His speech which destroys them (4b).
- Through the destruction of the wicked God cares for the poor and meek (4a).
- The Branch rules over a kingdom of peace (6-9).
- The description of the Branch’s kingdom uses figurative language concerning wild and domesticated animals cohabiting.
- Scripture teaches that the entire present creation will participate in the final glorification of all things in the day of Christ.
- The present creation participates in the redemption of the elect (Rom. 8:21), in the new glorious creation (Eph. 1:10).
- When will this take place? Cf. Isa. 65:17-25.
- The basis for this is the rule of the Branch.
- This will take place in God’s holy mountain (9).
- And then the earth will be full of the knowledge of Jehovah (9), i.e., not just head knowledge, but knowing God in love.