A Signal for the Peoples
In that day the root of Jesse, who shall stand as a signal for the peoples—of him shall the nations inquire, and his resting place shall be glorious.
Isaiah 11:10
Our secretary thought it was a joke. Head down, busy with work, she was annoyed with the interruption when a man entered the office demanding everyone’s attention and announced with a flourish the arrival of a gentleman just outside the door.
When no one responded, he repeated his lavish introduction of the crown prince of a nearby country in the Middle East.
Suddenly everyone was scrambling to show the honor due to their unexpected guest, a man who would one day be king.
My husband spent the rest of the day (in a proper suit and tie) showing the prince palaces for sale and making a new friend.
We in the West are not used to bowing and curtseying, paying homage to royalty. Outside of medieval movies and TV glimpses of royal weddings we don’t have a context to imagine what Isaiah really was describing when he called the Messiah a signal for the peoples.
The Hebrew word for signal in Isaiah 11:10 means a standard, an unfurling, sparkling banner. The root of Jesse stands as a signal for the nations. Isaiah’s signal is a person, God incarnate, the Messiah who would come at Christmastime. He is the standard for justice and peace. His royal banner is a call to attention, a command to honor. It is a declaration to the peoples of the world that they are in the presence of a King.
The shepherds knew this.
The wisemen knew this.
They saw the signal and rushed to worship Him.
Amidst all the sparkle of Christmas Day, don’t miss the signal.
Do what it takes today to pause the chaos, even if it’s happy chaos, and take a moment to look up with your loved ones. See the unfurling sparkle of Jesus’ banner over the earth. Over your family. Over your cares and concerns, your hopes and dreams. Your disappointments, needs, and plans. Behold, the King of kings and Lord of lords! Take time and take a knee before His magnificence, and receive the gift of rest for your soul this Christmas Day.
Then spend the rest of the day with the King who is also a Friend. Perhaps He will show you a palace He’s prepared for you.
Lord, I bow before your presence and worship You today. Amen.
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