Isaiah 11-13,  Proverbs 20:16-30,  Luke 21:29-38,  Hebrews 3  

Isaiah 11-13:  

These chapters begin with a prophetic hymn to the “shoot from the stump of Jesse” (11:1), that is, from David. This descendent will be characterized by various aspects that are exemplary, and more than exemplary. The “Spirit of the LORD shall rest upon him” (11:2). His “delight shall be in the fear of the LORD” (11:3). He will not be partial to the powerful but instead “with righteousness he shall judge the poor” (11:4).

The result of this exercise of justice will be peace: “The wolf shall dwell with the lamb,” and “a little child shall lead them” (11:6). These are all clearly—that is, clear to us now from the other side of Calvary and of Jesus—Messianic prophecies, some already fulfilled, others waiting fulfillment at Christ’s second coming.

Such Christocentric experience results in one evident characteristic of those who put their trust in the Christ: thanksgiving, joy. In that day, “I will give thanks to you, O LORD” (12:1). For “Behold, God is my salvation; I will trust, and not be afraid” (12:2). And so “with joy you will draw water from the wells of salvation” (12:3).

By contrast, chapter 13, indeed the whole world in rebellion shall be judged (13:11). Chapter 13 makes sober reading; it warns us against trivializing the good news, and urges us to hide ourselves by faith in Christ from the wrath of God that is to come on all the ungodliness and wickedness of this world.

Salvation on the one hand. Judgment on the other. And the decisive differential: our response to the Christ Jesus. Would you today put your faith in Christ, worship him, bow before him, and so rejoice in him?