Wednesday Advent Devotional: The Eyes of Isaiah, Part 4 - Messianic Age

Isaiah 11:3-10 NIV) He will not judge by what he sees with his eyes, or decide by what he hears with his ears; but with righteousness he will judge the needy, with justice he will give decisions for the poor of the earth. He will strike the earth with the rod of his mouth; with the breath of his lips he will slay the wicked. Righteousness will be his belt and faithfulness the sash around his waist.

The wolf will live with the lamb, the leopard will lie down with the goat, the calf and the lion and the yearling together; and a little child will lead them. The cow will feed with the bear, their young will lie down together, and the lion will eat straw like the ox. The infant will play near the cobra’s den, and the young child will put its hand into the viper’s nest. They will neither harm nor destroy on all my holy mountain, for the earth will be filled with the knowledge of the Lord as the waters cover the sea.

In that day the Root of Jesse will stand as a banner for the peoples; the nations will rally to him, and his resting place will be glorious.

Well, this verse is quite the "Merry Christmas" message! As we wrap up this Advent series, Isaiah could foresee not only the birth, life, and death of Jesus, but beyond, to a time of full flower of Jesus's promise. Most likely this is a time after Jesus's death, when the resurrected Christ would launch the Messianic age.

This era is marked by an eternal nature that begins with judgment and slaying of the wicked. Then peace will prevail under the knowledge of the Lord, to the point that all creatures on heaven and earth can live together without fear. The translation of "resting place" might be better expressed as "dwelling," although the connotation of resting place might mean that Jesus's work is complete and his full mission accomplished.

As we wrap up Advent and today turn from preparation to celebration, we remember the birth, life, and death of Jesus, but we also celebrate his eventual messianic achievement that will finally bring peace and goodness to all creation. May it be so!