| RIGHTEOUS BRANCH |

Yesterday, we received a hit of hope from Joel 2. Today, we see that hope turn specifically to a future king. We call this the “messianic” hope. The hope of an anointed one, in the line of David, to come and establish himself among the people, rescuing them from their enemies.

Isaiah 11:1-9

Isaiah 11:6 is a beautiful image of peace. The world has been broken ever since the Fall. The Savior in this passage will restore the peace lost through the curse. Clearly, the story is moving quickly forward from curse to redemption.

What is the hope? How will all that Isaiah speaks of be accomplished? What will it look like when peace is restored? This peace is founded in the fact that when this promised King comes and his throne is established, “the earth shall be full of the knowledge of the LORD as the waters cover the sea (Isaiah 11:9).”

Jeremiah 23:1-8

Jeremiah speaks very similarly about this same promised King. Jeremiah calls him “a righteous Branch.” That is to say that he is a branch, or descendant, extending from David. He will be called “The Lord is our righteousness.”

This is an amazing prophecy. Truly, Jesus was not only himself righteous. When he took our place on the cross, taking our sin and punishment, he gave all who believe in his name his righteousness. When God looks at those who believe, he doesn’t just see a people who are forgiven; he sees a people who, through the sacrifice of Jesus, have been declared righteous. Truly, Jesus is our righteousness.

Appreciating Scripture

I encourage you to go back and appreciate the poetry of the passage in Jeremiah. Sometimes it helps me to appreciate the truth of scripture when I appreciate the beauty of how God has chosen to communicate his truth.

Behold, the days are coming, declares the LORD, when I will raise up for David a righteous Branch, and he shall reign as king and deal wisely, and shall execute justice and righteousness in the land. 6 In his days Judah will be saved, and Israel will dwell securely. And this is the name by which he will be called: ‘The LORD is our righteousness.’ - Jeremiah 23:5–6