A New Beginning

¹ “Is anyone thirsty? Come and drink — even if you have no money! Come, take your choice of wine or milk — it is all free! ² Why spend your money on food that does not give you strength? Why pay for food that does you no good? Listen to Me (the living LORD God), and you will eat what is good. You will enjoy the finest food. ³ Come to Me (the living LORD God) with your ears wide open. Listen, and you will find life. I will make an everlasting covenant with you. I will give you all the unfailing love I promised to David….” ⁶ “Seek the LORD while you can find Him. Call on Him now (the living LORD God) while He is near. ⁷ Let the wicked change their ways and banish the very thought of doing wrong. Let them turn to the LORD that He may have mercy on them. Yes, turn to our God, for He will forgive generously.” Isaiah 55:1-3, 6-7, New Living Translation 2nd Edition

As the Christmas season ends, people turn their hearts to a New Year and new beginnings. With this New Year, let everyone listen to the words of the prophet Isaiah and come to the living LORD God now!

In Isaiah 55, the living LORD God – the Holy One of Israel – invites ALL PEOPLE to come to Him with our whole hearts (see Isaiah 55:1, 3). Coming to the living LORD God is ABSOLUTELY FREE and costs NO MONEY (see Isaiah 55:1). The living LORD God promises that when you come to Him with your whole hearts, He will FREELY give you a new life, heavenly blessings, goodness, and peace for our soul through His Holy Spirit (Isaiah 55:1-2; see also Isaiah 44:3-4; Isaiah 45:21-22; John 3:6; Acts 17:28; Galatians 5:25; 2 Corinthians 3:6, 8). When you come wholeheartedly to the living LORD God, He freely comes to live in your hearts and minds through His Spirit – also known as the Spirit of the LORD or the living Water (e.g., see John 4:10, 14; Revelation 21:6-7; Revelation 22:17). The Spirit of the LORD brings the living LORD God’s blessings, gifts, abundance, and grace into your lives NOW and for all eternity (e.g., see Isaiah 41:17-18; Isaiah 58:11; Matthew 5:6; Luke 6:21; 1 Corinthians 12:4-11; Revelation 3:18).

Next, the living LORD God urges ALL PEOPLE to listen diligently and obey His instructions (Isaiah 55:2-3; see also Leviticus 18:4-5; Joshua 1:6-8). The living LORD God declares that His life-nourishing instructions and commands are alive, active, eternal, and everlasting (Isaiah 55:10-11; see also Isaiah 40:8; Matthew 5:18; Matthew 24:35; Mark 13:31; Luke 21:33; Hebrews 4:12). Wholehearted allegiance to the living LORD God and obedience to His Word leads to life, goodness, and an everlasting covenant relationship with the living LORD God (Isaiah 55:2-3; see also Deuteronomy 30:15-16, 19-20; Isaiah 1:19-20; Jeremiah 32:40-41). The living LORD God wants everyone to have a continual relationship with Him. Even more, obedience to the living LORD God and His Word leads to wisdom and understanding (e.g., see Deuteronomy 4:5-6; Psalm 111:10). Through our wholehearted allegiance and obedience to the living LORD God comes an outpouring of His life-giving love, mercy, reward, blessings, and forgiveness that He previously gave to His servant David (Isaiah 55:3, 12-13; see also Proverbs 4:4; Isaiah 49:4; Isaiah 59:21; Romans 5:5).

The living LORD God found David to be a man wholeheartedly devoted and obedient to Him and His commandments (e.g., see 1 Samuel 13:14; 1 Kings 2:1-4; Psalm 63:1-2; Psalm 143:6; Acts 13:22). David sought and served the living LORD God with his whole heart and mind, and he encouraged others to do the same (e.g., see 1 Chronicles 16:8-22; 1 Chronicles 28:8-9; Psalm 27:8; Psalm 145:3). Because of David’s allegiance to the living LORD God, the Spirit of the LORD rested on David, and he enjoyed God’s favor (e.g., see 1 Samuel 16:12-13; 1 Samuel 18:12; 2 Samuel 5:3; Acts 7:45-46). Moreover, David proved the living LORD God’s presence and power in his life when he conquered other nations and giants (Isaiah 55:4; e.g., see also 1 Samuel 17:45-50). Even more, the living LORD God made David a leader for His people, and David became Israel and Judah’s most celebrated king (Isaiah 55:4-5; see also 1 Chronicles 28:4).

Even more important, because of David’s wholehearted allegiance to Him, the living LORD God promised to send His Messiah-King from David’s family, and David’s Seed would become Ruler (Isaiah 4:2; Isaiah 11:1, 10; Isaiah 9:6-7; Isaiah 53:2; see also Jeremiah 30:9; Ezekiel 37:24-28; Matthew 1:1, 17-18; 23; Matthew 2:2; Acts 13:22-23; Romans 1:3-4; Hebrews 7:14; Revelation 1:5; Revelation 5:5; Revelation 22:16). Previously, the living LORD God through His servant Nathan promised David that his Descendent would rule as King forever (Isaiah 9:6-7; Isaiah 11:1; see also 2 Samuel 7:11-16; 1 Chronicles 17:11-14; Luke 1:32-33). Like His servant David, the living LORD God promises you will also become blessed with His power and presence from on high when you wholeheartedly love and obey His righteous commands (Isaiah 55:5; see also 2 Chronicles 7:17-18; John 14:15, 21, 23; John 15:1-5, 7, 10; 1 John 2:5; 1 John 5:3). The living LORD God MUST be the only King and God of your heart (Isaiah 46:9; see also e.g., Joshua 24:14-15; 1 Samuel 12:12).

However, the living LORD God declares if your hearts turn away from Him and His Word, and you walk in continual evil and disobedience the Spirit of the LORD will depart your life, and your life will become dry, thirsty, and dead (e.g., see Deuteronomy 30:17-18; 1 Samuel 15:17-23; 1 Samuel 16:14; 1 Samuel 18:12; 2 Chronicles 7:17-22; Jeremiah 2:13; Romans 6:23). The living LORD God of heaven and His mercy are with those who wholeheartedly seek and love Him, confess their sins, and obey His righteous commands (e.g., see Leviticus 26:40-42; Deuteronomy 4:29-31; 2 Chronicles 15:2, 4; Psalm 103:11; Jeremiah 29:10-14; 1 John 1:5-9). However, if you reject and disobey the living LORD God, He will reject you (Isaiah 1:20; see also e.g., 1 Chronicles 28:9; 2 Chronicles 7:19-22). Rebellion against the living LORD God and His commands lead to the living LORD God’s disfavor and destruction (e.g., see Leviticus 26:14-17; Joshua 24:20; 1 Samuel 12:15). Continual sin and wickedness will lead to your downfall (e.g., see Ezekiel 18:30).

Thus, the prophet Isaiah calls upon EVERYONE to seek and call upon the living LORD God of heaven and seek His righteousness NOW (Isaiah 1:17; Isaiah 51:1, 4; Isaiah 55:6; see also Amos 5:4, 6; Matthew 6:33; Hebrews 3:12-15). Isaiah declares the living LORD God is the only God, and He will answer you when you seek Him (Isaiah 45:22; see also Exodus 20:3-5; Deuteronomy 4:29). As you seek and call upon the Name of the living LORD God, you find the living LORD God’s grace, hedge protection, and salvation from evil and the evil one (e.g., see Psalm 32:6-7; Joel 2:32; Zephaniah 2:3; Romans 10:13).

A clear example of the living LORD God’s protection and grace is found in 1 Chronicles 4:9-10, often called the “Prayer of Jabez.” Jabez had a painful beginning in life (see 1 Corinthians 4:9). Despite his painful beginnings, Jabez sought and prayed to the living LORD God to bless him and expand his territory (border) (see 1 Chronicles 4:10). Even more, Jabez prayed to the living LORD God that His presence would be with him in all that he does and to keep him from all trouble, harm, evil, and pain (see 1 Chronicles 4:10). The living LORD God answered Jabez’s prayer request (see 1 Chronicles 4:10). Nothing is too hard nor too impossible for the living LORD God (e.g., see Genesis 18:14; Jeremiah 32:17, 27; Matthew 19:26; Mark 10:27; Luke 1:37).

Moreover, the prophet Isaiah encourages everyone to REPENT by turning away from their evil, selfish, false, and wicked deeds and seeking the living LORD God (Isaiah 1:16, 19; Isaiah 55:7; see also Zechariah 8:17; Matthew 3:2; Matthew 4:17). In fact, the prophet Isaiah urges EVERYONE to turn and remove from their minds and hearts the very thought of doing wrong, evil, and wicked (Isaiah 55:7; see also Jeremiah 4:14; James 4:7-8). Instead, the prophet Isaiah encourages EVERYONE to humbly and wholeheartedly REPENT and come to the living LORD of heaven and find the living LORD God’s FREE mercy, grace, salvation, and lavish forgiveness NOW and for all eternity (Isaiah 55:7; see also 2 Chronicles 7:14; Isaiah 56:2). Though our sins may be like scarlet and red as crimson, the prophet Isaiah promises the living LORD God will cleanse our hearts and minds like pure snow as we come to Him (e.g., see Isaiah 1:18; Isaiah 43:25; Isaiah 44:22). The living LORD God freely forgives EVERYONE who turns away from the wickedness they have committed and do what is just, right, and good (e.g., see Ezekiel 18:27-28).

Moreover, the living LORD God declares that His ways, thoughts, and plans are not the same as any human on earth (see Isaiah 55:8). Just as the heavens are higher than the earth, the living LORD God proclaims that His ways, thoughts, and plans are higher and greater than any fragile human (Isaiah 55:9; see also Isaiah 40:13-14). Many are the plans in a person’s heart, but the living LORD God’s purposes and plans always triumph in the end (e.g., see Psalm 33:11; Proverbs 19:21). The living LORD God is not human or mortal, but He is the strong and sovereign Creator of the universe (Isaiah 40:6-8; Isaiah 51:12-13; see also e.g., Numbers 23:19; 1 Samuel 15:29). Only the living LORD God (Yahweh) is the only true God, and only He knows the end from the beginning of all things (Isaiah 44:6, 8; Isaiah 45:5-6, 18, 21; Isaiah 46:9-11; see also Deuteronomy 6:4).

Finally, the living LORD God throughout His Holy Scriptures calls EVERYONE to love, goodness, and fairness toward one another, particularly toward the oppressed, fatherless, and widows (Isaiah 56:1; see also Genesis 18:19; Micah 6:6-8; Isaiah 1:17; Romans 12:9; James 1:27). Doing what is right, loving, and good is the heart of the living LORD God’s commandments (Isaiah 56:1; see also Matthew 7:12; Matthew 22:37-40; Luke 10:25-37; Romans 13:8-10; 1 Timothy 1:5). Even more, doing what is right and good is more acceptable to the living LORD God than any religious ceremonies, rituals, or sacrifices (e.g., 1 Samuel 15:22-23; Proverbs 21:3; Isaiah 1:11). For the living LORD God loves justice and goodness, and He HATES stealing, lies, and wrongdoing (Isaiah 56:2; see also e.g., Psalm 11:7; Isaiah 61:8). The living LORD God’s very Name and nature is goodness, mercy, TRUTH, holiness; and justice (Isaiah 5:16; see also e.g., Exodus 34:6-7; Leviticus 11:44-45; 1 Peter 1:15-16). Thus, the living LORD God calls EVERYONE to flee and turn from doing anything evil (see Isaiah 56:2).

In His continual faithfulness, the living LORD God rewards and blesses EVERYONE who loves Him, and He makes an everlasting covenant with those who obey His righteous commandments (Isaiah 56:2; see also Psalm 112:1; Isaiah 61:8; Ephesians 6:24). Particularly, the living LORD God blesses those who worship Him and obey His Sabbath days of rest by not working (Isaiah 56:2, 6; Isaiah 58:13-14; see also Exodus 20:8-11; Leviticus 26:2; Deuteronomy 5:12-15). The living LORD God gives His FREE grace, joy, and blessings to ALL PEOPLE – whether young, old, black, white, Jew, Gentile, foreigners, or homosexual – who love, worship, and obey Him (Isaiah 56:3-7 see also Ephesians 2:11-16). The living LORD God’s salvation and grace are for ALL PEOPLE without respect to persons who seek and obey Him (Isaiah 56:8; see also Isaiah 2:2-5).

In the New Testament, the Lord Jesus continued the message of the prophet Isaiah. The Lord Jesus, who is One with His Father the living LORD God of heaven, urged everyone to come to Him and find life NOW and for all eternity (e.g., see John 3:15-17, 36; John 6:26-27, 53-58; John 10:30; John 14:6, 9-11). As we come to the Lord Jesus and His Father, the Holy Spirit comes to live inside our hearts (e.g., see John 3:3-8; John 7:37-39; John 14:23). The Holy Spirit brings heart peace and rest for our souls (e.g., see Matthew 11:28-30; John 16:33).

In summation, the living LORD God through the prophet Isaiah is calling EVERYONE to faith in Him and repentance (turning) from sin and evil. Seek the living LORD God this New Yew, and the living LORD God will come into your hearts through His Spirit – the Spirit of the LORD (e.g., see Isaiah 30:9; Zechariah 1:3; Malachi 3:7; James 4:8). Repent and live (e.g., see Ezekiel 18:30-32)!

References

ESV Study Bible, English Standard Version (Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles, 2008).

Message Bible (Colorado Springs, CO:  NavPress, 2002).

The Living Bible Paraphrase (Tyndale House, 1971).

Zondervan NIV Study Bible (Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 2008).

Jesus, the Prince of Peace

¹ Out of the stump of David’s family will grow a Shoot — yes, a new Branch bearing fruit from the old root. ² And the Spirit of the LORD will rest on Him — the Spirit of wisdom and understanding, the Spirit of counsel and might (power), the Spirit of knowledge and the (reverential and obedient) fear of the LORD. ³ He will delight in obeying the LORD. He will not judge by appearance nor decide based on hearsay. ⁴ He will give justice to the poor and make fair decisions for the exploited. The earth will shake at the force of His word, and one breath from His mouth will destroy the wicked. ⁵ He will wear righteousness like a belt and truth like an undergarment. Isaiah 11:1-5, New Living Translation 2nd Edition

The prophet Isaiah has sometimes been called by scholars the “prince of the prophets.” Isaiah made startling predictions about the future, including the coming Anointed One – the Messiah-King, the son of David!

The prophet Isaiah predicted a new Branch or Shoot would grow from King David’s family (see Isaiah 11:1). David was from the small town of Bethlehem in Judah, located in the southern kingdom of Israel, and David’s father was named Jesse (see 1 Samuel 17:12). The LORD God Almighty found David to be a man wholeheartedly devoted and obedient to Him and His commandments (e.g., see 1 Samuel 13:14; 1 Kings 2:1-4; Acts 13:22). King David was Israel and Judah’s greatest king. The Spirit of the LORD rested on David, and he enjoyed God’s favor because of his obedience to the LORD God (e.g., see 1 Samuel 16:13; 1 Samuel 18:12; 2 Samuel 5:3; Acts 7:45-46). After King David’s death, Israel and Judah were ruled by many evil and disobedient rulers that did not fully obey the LORD God Almighty (e.g., see Isaiah 1:17; Isaiah 5:7). Thus, the prophet Isaiah envisioned that the royal line of David would be cut off and chopped down to a stump or stem (see Isaiah 11:1).

However, the prophet Isaiah prophesied that a holy seed or stump would emerge (Isaiah 6:13; Isaiah 11:1; see also 2 Kings 19:30-31). From the stump or seed of David’s family, the prophet Isaiah predicted a Righteous Shoot or Branch of the LORD will grow (Isaiah 4:2; Isaiah 11:1, 10; Isaiah 53:2; see also Acts 13:22-23; Hebrews 7:14; Revelation 5:5; Revelation 22:16). The prophet Isaiah predicted this Righteous Shoot from David’s family would become Ruler as the LORD God will give Him authority, glory and sovereign power (Isaiah 9:6-7; see also Daniel 7:13-14; Matthew 28:18). Previously, the living LORD God through His servant Nathan promised David that his Descendent would rule as King forever (Isaiah 9:6-7; Isaiah 11:1; see also 2 Samuel 7:11-16; 1 Chronicles 17:11-14; Matthew 1:1; Matthew 2:2; Luke 1:32-33).

Moreover, Isaiah predicted a Messiah-King from David’s family line would produce and bear good fruit for the world to enjoy (see Isaiah 11:1; Isaiah 27:6). The prophet Isaiah foretold that the Messiah-King would be filled and empowered with the Spirit of the LORD (Isaiah 11:2; Isaiah 42:1; Isaiah 61:1-3; see also Luke 4:18-19; John 3:34). The Spirit of the LORD would give the Messiah-King from David’s family line the Spirit of wisdom, understanding, counsel, power, and knowledge (Isaiah 9:6-7; Isaiah 11:2-3; see also 1 Corinthians 1:24, 30; Colossians 2:3). Even more, the prophet Isaiah predicted the Spirit of the LORD will teach the Messiah-King to honor, respect, and obey the LORD God (see Isaiah 11:3). Honoring and respecting the LORD God would be the Messiah’s joy and delight (Isaiah 11:2-3; see also Exodus 20:2-7).

Even more, the prophet Isaiah predicted the Messiah-King would be an understanding and fair Judge (see Isaiah 9:7; Isaiah 11:3; Isaiah 16:5). The Messiah-King will not judge by appearance, false evidence, or hearsay, but He will judge with fairness, truth, and mercy (Isaiah 11:3, 5; see also 1 Samuel 16:7; Jeremiah 33:15). The prophet Isaiah predicted the Messiah-King would judge by examining a person’s heart, thoughts, and intentions (e.g., see Matthew 9:4; John 2:25; John 7:24). The Messiah-King will seek justice, loving kindness, and goodness for ALL PEOPLE (see Isaiah 16:5). The prophet Isaiah predicts the Messiah-King will bring forth justice to the earth (see Isaiah 2:4; Isaiah 42:1-4).

Furthermore, Isaiah predicted the Messiah-King would defend the needy and the exploited, and He will punish the evil leaders and rulers who oppress them with His rod and sword (Isaiah 11:4; see also Isaiah 3:13-14; Revelation 19:15, 21). The prophet Isaiah envisioned the Messiah-King ALWAYS doing what is right, good, kind, and wise for all people and give honest and fair decisions for the earth’s poor, humble, and exploited (Isaiah 9:7; Isaiah 11:4; Isaiah 16:5; Isaiah 42:1, 3-4; Isaiah 61:1; see also Jeremiah 23:5-6; Jeremiah 33:15). Moreover, the Messiah will be clothed with righteousness, goodness, and faithfulness (Isaiah 11:5; see also Acts 10:38; Ephesians 6:10-20; Revelation 19:11). Righteousness will be the Messiah’s belt and faithfulness the sash around His waist (see Isaiah 11:5). In fact, the Messiah’s Name will be the “LORD Our Righteous Savior” (Jeremiah 23:6; Jeremiah 33:16; see also 1 Corinthians 1:30; 2 Corinthians 5:21).

Furthermore, the prophet Isaiah prophesied the Messiah-King would bring transforming peace on earth for humans and animals alike (Isaiah 11:6-9; see also Hosea 2:18). Some biblical scholars have characterized this peace as a restored Eden where humans and animals live in harmony (see Genesis 2:4-25). The living LORD God Almighty has always wanted to create peace on earth through our love and obedience to Him and His commandments (e.g., see Leviticus 26:1-12; John 14:21-23; Galatians 6:7-10; James 1:22-25).

Under the Messiah-King’s leadership, the prophet Isaiah envisioned the LORD God Almighty creating a new heaven and new earth (Isaiah 65:17-25; Isaiah 66:22; see also 2 Peter 3:13; Revelation 21:1). In that future day, the prophet Isaiah predicted the wolf and the lamb would lie down together, and the leopard and goats living at harmony (Isaiah 11:6; see also Isaiah 65:25). Also, Isaiah envisioned the calf and lion eating from the same trough, and a little child tending and leading these animals (see Isaiah 11:6). Even more, the prophet Isaiah predicted in the future cows grazing among bears; cubs and calves living together, and lions eating grass like the cows (see Isaiah 11:7). Moreover, babies will crawl safely among poisonous snakes, and a little child will place his hand in a nest of deadly serpents without harm (see Isaiah 11:8).

Most important, the prophet Isaiah envisioned neither animal nor human hurting or killing on the LORD God’s holy mountain (Isaiah 11:9; see also Ezekiel 34:25-27). All nations and people will flow to the holy mountain of the LORD God (Isaiah 2:1-4; see also Revelation 21:10). As the waters fill the sea, so the earth will become full of the knowledge of the LORD God’s glory and power (Isaiah 11:9; Isaiah 66:18-23; see also Habakkuk 2:14). Isaiah predicts the whole world will FINALLY acknowledge there is only One God – the LORD God Almighty, and worship Him (e.g., see Isaiah 43:10; Isaiah 45:5-7).

Even more, the prophet Isaiah envisioned the Messiah-King becoming a signal, hope, and banner of salvation to ALL NATIONS and PEOPLE, not just the Jews (Isaiah 11:10, 12; Isaiah 42:7-7; Isaiah 49:6; see also Luke 2:30-32; Acts 11:18; Romans 15:12). All nations and people of the world will worship the Messiah-King and look to Him as a standard for living (see Isaiah 11:10). The Messiah will have a Kingdom filled with His glory (see Isaiah 11:10). Truly, the Messiah will transform the world!

Then, the prophet Isaiah predicted the LORD God of heaven will open oceans and highways once again to restore the faithful remnant of Israel who wholeheartedly trust and obey Him and His Messiah-King (Isaiah 10:20-22; Isaiah 11:11, 15-16; Isaiah 27:12-13; see also Zechariah 10:20-21; Romans 2:28-29). The LORD God will gather His faithful Israel and Judah refugees scattered around the world and return them into His Promised Land (see Isaiah 11:11-12). Also, the prophet Isaiah predicted there would be peace and unity amongst His people, Israel and Judah, and the Messiah-King will rule God’s people (Isaiah 11:13; see also Ezekiel 37:16-18, 22). There will be no more rivalry, anger, and jealousy between Israel (also known as Ephraim, or the northern kingdom) and Judah, the southern kingdom (see Isaiah 11:13). Together and united, the LORD God’s faithful people will destroy the wicked and evil nations of the world (see Isaiah 11:14).

Notably, not only did the prophet Isaiah see and predict the coming Messiah (Christ) (e.g., see Isaiah 6:1; Isaiah 7:14; Isaiah 52:13-53:12; John 12:41), but also many other Old Testament prophets of God saw the coming Messiah from a distance and trusted Him. For instance, the writer of Hebrews noted that Moses saw the coming Messiah (see Hebrews 11:26). Moses prophesied the coming Jesus as the Great Prophet and Savior whom the LORD God would speak through (see Deuteronomy 18:15, 18-19; Matthew 17:5; Acts 3:22-23, 26; Acts 7:37). Because Moses foresaw the coming Christ, Moses believed it was far better to suffer for the promised Messiah (Christ) than to own all the treasures of Egypt (Hebrews 11:26; see also Luke 14:33; Philippians 3:7-8). As with other faithful servants of the living God, Moses was looking forward to the LORD God’s great rewards in His Son Jesus the Messiah (Hebrews 11:6, 26; see also Matthew 6:33; Hebrews 10:35).

Moreover, Joshua met the Lord Jesus just before conquering the Promised Land at Jericho (e.g., see Joshua 5:13-15). The living LORD God through His servant Nathan promised that a Descendent of David would rule as King forever (e.g., 2 Samuel 7:12-16). Like Isaiah, Jeremiah predicted the Lord Jesus’ coming as a Righteous Branch of David that will rule a King (Jeremiah 23:5-6; Jeremiah 30:9; Jeremiah 33:17; see also Luke 19:38). Prophet Jeremiah prophesied the Lord Jesus as King will execute justice and righteousness on the earth (e.g., see Jeremiah 33:15-16). Even more, the prophet Zechariah also predicted the LORD God Almighty sending a Branch from David’s family that would become the earth’s King forever (e.g., see Zechariah 3:8; Zechariah 9:9). Moreover, the prophet Zechariah predicts the Messiah-King rebuilding God’s Temple filled with both Jews and Gentiles (non-Jews) (Zechariah 6:12-13; see also Ephesians 2:20-22). Then, the prophet Daniel saw the Lord Jesus coming in the clouds of glory to meet the Ancient of Days sitting on His throne (e.g., see Daniel 7:13-14).

Notably, the prophet Ezekiel made similar predictions about the coming Messiah-King from David’s family line, who would be an obedient and Good Shepherd of God’s people (Ezekiel 34:23-24; see also Isaiah 40:11; John 10:11, 14-16). Like Isaiah, the prophet Ezekiel predicted a Messiah-King would come and usher peace and abundance in the land among humans and animals alike and become the LORD God’s Prince (e.g., see Ezekiel 34:24-29; Ezekiel 37:24-25). Most importantly, all people will know and obey the LORD God Almighty and His Servant, the Messiah (e.g., see Ezekiel 34:30-31). In summary, the Old Testament is filled with predictions of the Lord Jesus’ coming into the world! Jesus fulfilled the Old Testament prophecy (e.g., see Romans 10:4).

The New Testament declares the fulfillment of Isaiah’s prophecy in Jesus the Messiah (e.g., see Matthew 1:1, 16-18, 21-23)! Messiah (Hebrew) and Christ (Greek) both mean Anointed One. All four Gospel writers and the author of Acts wrote that Jesus was filled with the Spirit of the LORD (e.g., see Matthew 3:16-17; Mark 1:10-11; Luke 3:22; John 1:32-33). In fact, Jesus was filled with the life-giving Spirit of the LORD from His birth (e.g., Matthew 1:18; Luke 1:35). During His time on earth, Jesus the Messiah filled with the Spirit of the LORD went around doing good to ALL PEOPLE – the poor, the blind, prisoners, the oppressed, etc. – with compassion, justice, and mercy (e.g., see Matthew 4:23-25; Luke 4:18-19; Acts 10:38).

Moreover, Jesus is the righteous Descendent and Branch of David the living LORD God Almighty has graciously given to the world as Savior (e.g., see Matthew 1:21; Luke 2:10-11; John 3:16-17; John 4:42; Acts 5:31; Romans 1:3-6; Titus 2:13-14). Even more, the Gentile wise men from the East acknowledged the Lord Jesus as King of all people – Jews and Gentiles (non-Jews) (e.g., see Matthew 1:1; Matthew 2:1-2; Luke 1:32-33). Many first century Israelites recognized Jesus as not only the Christ (Messiah) and Son of God but also the long-awaited Son of David who would royal David’s throne (e.g., Matthew 9:27; Matthew 20:29-34; Luke 1:31-32, 69; Luke 19:38; John 1:49; John 20:30-31). Even more amazing, Jesus the Messiah specifically states Isaiah’s prophecy applies to Him (e.g., see Matthew 12:18-21, quoting Isaiah 42:1-4).

The New Testament writers teach and proclaim that Jesus the Messiah has come into the world as a light to ALL PEOPLE – Jews and Gentiles (e.g., see Matthew 4:14-16; Acts 11:17-18; Acts 13:47; Acts 26:23). Jesus the Messiah is the King from David’s family the LORD God Almighty has given to bring salvation to ALL PEOPLE (e.g., see Acts 13:22-23). Even more, through faith in Jesus the Messiah, the apostle Paul teaches we become the righteousness of God (e.g., see Romans 1:16-17; 1 Corinthians 1:30; 2 Corinthians 5:21). The apostle Peter teaches that Jesus the Messiah took away and absorbed our sins in His body on Calvary’s Cross as the prophet Isaiah predicted, so that we might STOP SINNING and live for righteousness (1 Peter 2:24; see also Isaiah 53:4, 11; Acts 13:38-39; Romans 6:18-19; Hebrews 9:28).

As we STAY CLOSE and have FAITH in Jesus the Messiah, the LORD God Almighty and His Son Jesus fills believers with the life-giving Spirit of the LORD (e.g., see John 3:3-8; John 14:23; John 15:5, 10). We become brand new (e.g., see 2 Corinthians 5:16-17), and the LORD God is with us (Isaiah 7:14; see also Matthew 1:23). Always trust in the LORD.

IMMANUEL HAS COME – MERRY CHRISTMAS!

References

Amplified Bible (Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 1987).

Apologetics Study Bible: Understanding Why You Believe (Nashville, TN: Holman Bible Publishers, 2012).

ESV Study Bible, English Standard Version (Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles, 2008).

Message Bible (Colorado Springs, CO:  NavPress, 2002).

The Living Bible Paraphrase (Tyndale House, 1971).

Zondervan NIV Study Bible (Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 2008).