Daily Devotional | Jesus, Promised King

It has often been said that “people don’t quit their jobs; they quit their bosses.” A toxic leadership culture can make it difficult to retain employees even for desirable jobs. On the other hand, a healthy and vibrant leadership culture can make employees want to stay at difficult and demanding positions.

In the early chapters of Isaiah, Judah was suffering from poor leadership. King Ahaz trusted in military might and political alliances instead of trusting in the Lord (Isaiah 7). Israel had suffered long from corrupt kings and officials (Isa. 9:8–10:4). In contrast to these poor examples of leadership, God promised that one day a future king would come who would be the perfect leader—the Messiah.

This future king is described as a “shoot” from the “stump of Jesse” (Isa. 11:1). Jesse is the name of David’s father, so this is a reference to the Davidic line of kings. Notice that Jesse’s line is described as a “stump” because it had been cut down in judgment. Yet, from this stump a new growth would sprout. The Messiah would be uniquely empowered by the “Spirit of the LORD” (v. 2). He would be full of wisdom, understanding, counsel, might, and knowledge (v. 2). Righteousness and faithfulness would be at the core of His character (v. 5).

This king will usher in an age of peace. At that time, even animals who are natural enemies will dwell together in harmony. The wolf and the lamb, the leopard, and the goat, along with the lion and the ox (vv. 6–9). He will gather the remnant of His people from all the nations to live under His rule (vv. 12–16).

>> With the coming of Jesus, God kept His promise of a future ideal King (Rom. 15:12; 2 Thess. 2:8; Rev. 5:5). As Jesus himself said, “I am the Root and Offspring of David, and the bright and Morning Star” (Rev. 22:16). Today, we can look forward to His Second Coming when all these promises will be fulfilled.