A Worship Guide corresponding with the today’s Bible Reading Plan: Isaiah 4/ Theme: The Branch of the LORD /23-BSG-4A, (Isaiah 4:2-4)/ Key Text: “In that day the Branch of the Lord shall be beautiful and glorious; And the fruit of the earth shall be excellent and appealing for those of Israel who have escaped.” (Isaiah 4:2, NKJV)/ Hymn:

EXPLORATION: Jesus Christ is referred to as “the Branch” — (see the Messianic Prophecies of Isaiah 4:2; 11:1; Jer. 23:5, 6; 33:15; Zech. 3:8; 6:12, also read Patriarch and Kings p. 592).

REFLECTION: Who is the Branch of the LORD? “Isaiah first uses the word “Branch” in this verse. The word is also used in Jer. 23:5–6; 33:15–16; Zech. 3:8; 6:9–13 to describe Israel’s future leader. The prophecy concerning this future leader indicates He is a divine Messiah (Jer. 23:5–6). Another major occurrence of the word Branch in Isaiah is 11:1. The NT begins (Matt. 1:1) with a reference to Jesus as “Son of David,” signaling that He was the awaited Messiah from the line of King David, Himself the ultimate King. See also the title ascribed to Him in Rev. 19:16: “KING OF KINGS AND LORD OF LORDS”).” [Jon L. Dybdahl, Ed., Andrews Study Bible Notes, (Berrien Springs, MI: Andrews University Press, 2010), 865].

“After God’s original indictment or “lawsuit” (1:2–31) He gave a promise of restoration (2:1–5). Now at the close of the stinging reiteration of judgment (2:6–4:1) is another section on comfort (4:2–6). In spite of the terrible blow facing the nation because of its sin, some people would survive. Isaiah’s initial audience might have thought he was speaking of those who would survive the Exile. However, in the light of Matthew 24:4–30 he was referring to the people who will survive the difficulties in the Great Tribulation just before the Lord Jesus Christ returns to set up His kingdom.” [John A. Martin, The Bible Knowledge Commentary: An Exposition of the Scriptures, 1985, 1, 1041].

DEVOTIONAL IMPLICATION: Who is the Branch? Messiah, the Lord Jesus Christ. The ideas behind the title Branch of the LORD are those of fruitfulness and life. Jesus used the same image when He said that He was the vine and we are the branches (John 15:5). “Israel would be desolate, as it were a withered tree (see Isa. 5:7), but a branch of righteousness would spring from the seed of David and bring forth fruits of righteousness. Literal Israel would perish as a nation, but Jesus would ultimately cause the earth to flourish with righteousness. This picture of a desolate earth at length bearing abundant fruit appears repeatedly throughout the Scriptures (see Ps. 72:16; Eze. 34:27; 47:6–9; Hosea 2:15, 21, 22; Joel 3:18; Amos 9:13).” (SDA BC 4:119)

Beloved, Jesus Christ (The Brunch) is the only One who can bear the fruit of salvation for the kingdom of God (Isa 45:8). Isaiah saw a time (a future time) when Jesus would reign in glory and bring justice and righteousness to the whole world (Is. 11:1; Jer. 23:5; 33:15; Zech. 3:8, 9). This prophecy is partially fulfilled, because He is yet to come, a second time, where He will reign in glory. But right now, He can bring peace and righteousness into our hearts. He can cause us to be righteous –(right with God). Because of His righteousness, we justified and granted eternal life (Rom 5:18). How many of us are willing to be recipients of His righteousness? How many of us are willing to worship and serve the Lord Jesus Christ?

THE GOSPEL’S VOICE: This section is written as if God were speaking directly to you—Because He does. What does the Lord say to me this morning? “Behold, the days are coming,” says the Lord, “That I will raise to David a Branch of righteousness; A King shall reign and prosper, And execute judgment and righteousness in the earth. In His days Judah will be saved, And Israel will dwell safely; Now this is His name by which He will be called: THE LORD OUR RIGHTEOUSNESS” (Jeremiah 23:5–6, NKJV)

My Desire: By God’s grace, I want to pray for the gift of righteousness. I want to strive to be righteous – to look unto Jesus; to obey His Commands, and imitate Christ in all the days of my life.

Have A Blessed Day: “Therefore be imitators of God as dear children. And walk in love, as Christ also has loved us and given Himself for us, an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweet-smelling aroma.” (Ephesians 5:1–2, NKJV)