AUGUST 29

THE BRANCH BECOMES THE ROOT

“And there shall come forth a Rod out of the stem of Jesse, and a Branch shall grow out of his roots.” (Isaiah 11:1)

Divine selection, sovereign choosing was evident all the way in bringing forth the man Christ Jesus. While He came forth out of the stem (stump) of Jesse, as the Branch out of his roots, yet this same Jesus became THE ROOT out of which the whole new creation would be brought forth. It is not hard to trace ones spiritual lineage, because it traces back immediately to Jesus Christ, “I am the Vine, and ye are the branches.” (John 15:5).

Other religions have their roots in their so-called gods, or great men of the flesh. But the new creation finds its roots, not in the flesh, but IN THE SPIRIT, for Jesus Christ “became a life-giving Spirit.” (1 Cor. 15:45). Then He declared Himself to be – “I AM THE ROOT and offspring of David.” (Rev. 22:16).

Once David was the root, and Jesus was the offspring. Now Jesus is the Root, and David becomes the offspring. The first was the natural, the latter the spiritual. All this Jesus Himself taught in the temple. “How say the scribes that Christ is the son of David? For David himself said by the holy Spirit, The Lord said to my Lord, Sit thou on My right hand, till I make Thine enemies Thy footstool. David therefore himself called Him, Lord; and whence is He then his son?” (Mark 12:35-37).

Obviously such truth is hidden from the wise and prudent of this world, but it is revealed unto babes, even those who are being born again into the new realm of the Spirit. David, by the holy Spirit, knew that his spiritual roots would be found in THE CHRIST, and hence called Him Lord. Thus the question readily arises: To what, or to WHOM do we trace our spiritual roots? May all our inner life be found in Jesus Christ our Lord. “All my springs are in Thee.” (Ps. 87:7).

God gave His Son to be THE ROOT,
E’en David’s Branch and tender Shoot,
All other gods He doth uproot.

Ray Prinzing