A Shoot From the Stump #3

Isaiah worked during the reigns of Uzziah, Jotham, Ahaz and Hezekiah.

• Uzziah was a good king, but he became ambitious and wanted to be priest as well as king. He was struck with leprosy and completed his reign from isolation, but left the legacy of a good son.
• Jotham was a good king and brought blessing and prosperity to Judah and Jerusalem.
• Unfortunately, his son, Ahaz, was incredibly evil and his reign brought disaster and suffering on the land.
• Hezekiah was a really good king who did a lot to bring the people back to the Lord. He restored the temple, re-established the celebration of the passover, and many other things.

This prophecy originated from the dark sixteen years of Ahaz's reign. It was temporarily fulfilled by Hezekiah who was filled with the Spirit of the Lord, acted with wisdom and understanding, and walked in the fear of the Lord.

But, Hezekiah also made mistakes and so Israel (and all of humankind) waited for the the prophecy to be ultimately and finally fulfilled.

The One who would fulfil this was conceived by the Spirit to be born into our world. He was filled with the Spirit as He was baptized, and commenced His mission to be our sin-bearer. Then, He was forsaken by the Spirit on the cross as He bore our sins and God's wrath. Ultimately, He was raised from the dead by the Spirit and sends the Spirit into our hearts.

While David, Uzziah, Hezekiah, and many others feared and respected the Lord, all of them came to a point where they placed their own desires ahead of God's glory. For David, it was lust; for Uzziah, it was power; and for Hezekiah, it was material comfort. Jesus steadfastly put God's will ahead of His own. His "fear" of the Lord was displayed in passionate love and costly obedience when He said "Not my will but Yours be done." (Luke 22:42)

What an amazing Messiah!!!