“He shall execute justice and righteousness in the land,” God says. “In those days Judah will be saved and Jerusalem will live in safety. And this is the name by which it will be called: ‘The Lord is our righteousness.’”
There it is, the righteous Branch, springing up for King David.
In these verses, the prophet is talking about the leadership of the future — that’s the meaning of “righteous Branch.” This branch will emerge out of the family tree of King David, the greatest of Israel’s kings, the one who was — despite his flaws — “a man after God’s own heart.” With his focus on justice and righteousness, this leader will truly restore the fortunes of the people.
A Bible scholar says that his focus will not be simply on “abundance, productivity and partying.” Instead, he “will rightly render the affairs of the people and will lead them in their worship of the Lord.”
This new leader is, of course, Jesus Christ, born into the house and family of David. He is the one who teaches us righteousness, a word which is best defined as “right relationship.” Jesus wants us to show justice and righteousness in our relationships with each other and in our relationship with God.
This new leader is, of course, Jesus Christ, born into the house and family of David. He is the one who teaches us righteousness, a word which is best defined as “right relationship.” Jesus wants us to show justice and righteousness in our relationships with each other and in our relationship with God.
