HOPE LIVES

“And again, Isaiah says: “There shall be a root of Jesse; And He who shall rise to reign over the Gentiles, In Him the Gentiles shall hope” (Romans 15:12).

The One who was called the “root and offspring” of David is here identified with the father of David, Jesse. He is the root of Jesse “who shall rise to reign over the Gentiles.” Jesus himself declared, “I am the Root and the Offspring of David, the Bright and Morning Star.” (Revelation 22:16).

The mission and ministry of Christ was of greater scope and sequence than regional or national deliverance of a nation. His purpose was universal and His message was for all nations.

Previously, the Gentiles were seen as anyone who was not of Israel. The focus of most Old Testament prophecies were focused on Israel and all others were seen as outsiders, “aliens from the commonwealth of Israel” (Ephesians 2:12). However, scattered through the prophecies of antiquity were indications that God’s plan would reach beyond the borders of Judah and transcend the boundaries of the kingdom of David, He will “rise to reign over the Gentiles.”

In the book of Matthew the prophet Isaiah was again quoted for a messianic prophecy, “And in His name Gentiles will trust” (Matthew 12:21). The first advent of Christ brought the recognition of wise men from the East, refuge in Egypt in his youth, and the Gentiles who sought Him in His ministry (John 12:21). Jesus intentionally taught inclusiveness to people of all nations and His commission summed up His purpose, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature” (Mark 16:15).

What began in an upper room in Jerusalem as the Spirit baptism on Jewish believers quickly spread throughout the world. While many Jews rejected the New Birth message and the Gospel of Christ, Gentiles embraced it when the Apostles proclaimed it with passion. They quickly recognized the acceptance of the Gentiles in the kingdom of God. “Simon has declared how God at the first visited the Gentiles to take out of them a people for His name. …Even all the Gentiles who are called by My name, Says the Lord who does all these things” (Acts 15:14,17).

The Gentiles have come to place their trust in the name of Jesus, and “In Him the Gentiles shall hope!”