READ | SERMON NOTES
Summary l Advent is a season of waiting, hopeful watching and preparing our hearts for the coming of the Christ. It is a period of preparation for the birth of Christ, and His second coming.
In this time, we live in the space of the in-between: the already, and the not-yet. Christ has come, but the fullness of His peace is not fully realised. We feel this tension deeply – wars and unrest, broken families and uncertainties in the economy. This gives us a yearning for peace in this broken world that we live in. It is in this similar environment of darkness and despair that Isaiah prophesies the promises of the Coming King in Isaiah 11:1-10.
The Promise of Peace through the Coming King (v1-2)
• David, from the lineage of Jesse, was chosen by God to be king and was promised a kingdom and throne that would endure forever (1 Sam 16:1 & 13, 2 Sam 7:16).
• David’s son, Solomon, ruled with great wisdom and wealth but subsequent kings led the Israelites into idolatry and unrighteousness. The kingdom was divided, and David’s descendants were either killed or exiled. The once glorious kingdom was now broken and forgotten.
o By 722 BC, the northern kingdom of Israel was conquered by Assyria (2 Kings 17:5-6)
o In 586 BC, the southern kingdom of Judah was conquered by Babylon. Jerusalem and the Temple was destroyed (2 Kings 25:8-11)
• Yet, Isaiah prophesies that the Coming Christ would come from this lifeless and pitiful “stump of Jesse”. We know from this that God’s promises given (in 1 & 2 Sam) are still alive!
• Isaiah further prophesises that the Spirit of the Lord will rest upon this King to bring true peace to the world.
o The Spirit of wisdom and understanding
o The Spirit of counsel and of might
o The Spirit of the knowledge of and fear of the Lord
• Embrace the promise of the Coming King! Trust in God’s timing, believing that God is not done with our story even when parts of it seem dead.
Peace Established by the King’s Righteous Rule (v3-5)
• Isaiah describes the coming king as one who is not deceived by mere appearances (v3). He brings peace to the world because He is righteous and faithful in all that He does, with no exception.
• As followers of this righteous king, we are called to emulate him. This honours God but often costs us convenience or popularity. Consider:
o Are our private choices aligned to our public values?
o Do we choose what is right over what is easy?
o Do we speak up for the voiceless?
o Do we treat others fairly in the workplace and are generous with our resources (e.g. time in mentoring, counselling)?
Peace Restoring All Creation (v6-9)
• Isaiah’s vision of prey and predator living without fear side by side is a foretaste of future reality.
o Isaiah 11:9 “They will neither harm nor destroy on all my holy mountain, for the earth will be filled with the knowledge of the Lord as the waters cover the sea.”
• His prophecy echoes Rev 21 where John describes a new Creation that is healed and restored.
• We are called to be Agents of His Peace! True peace doesn’t come from human efforts but from hearts transformed by God. Our lives can give others a foretaste of the peace of God’s kingdom.
o Do we resolve conflicts with grace instead of gossip or passive aggression?
o Are we a calming presence in high-pressure environments, bringing clarity instead of chaos?
o In our families, do we model forgiveness and patience? Do we speak words that heal instead of wound?
o In our communities, do we engage with those different from us? Do we pray for peace in our neighbourhoods?
Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God (Matt 5:9)
Peace Offered to All who Trust in Christ (v10)
• In ancient times, a banner raised signaled a clear rallying point to soldiers. They would know where to gather and whom to follow. The banner was a sign of identity, hope and victory.
• Likewise, Jesus said, “And I, when I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all people to myself.” (John 12:32). The Messiah himself became the banner and was lifted on the cross, rallying the nations to Him.
• This is the heart of Christmas – the peace and salvation of God not just for one nation but all peoples. From death, God brings life, from hopelessness, peace.
We cannot manufacture peace. We can only receive it. And only when we rally to Jesus, the banner of our salvation. Trust and Follow the Prince of Peace.
“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives.” (John 14:27)
(Sermon notes by Stella Chiam)
PONDER | REFLECTION QUESTIONS
- Study Scripture
Read Isaiah 11:1–10 together.
a. What images or phrases stand out to you in this passage? - Recall Sermon
a. Which part of the message challenged or encouraged you most?
b. Which of the four discipleship lessons resonated most with you? Why? - Relate Personally
a. Where do you currently long for peace in your life (relationships, work, inner struggles)?
b. How do you usually try to find peace? How does that compare to what Isaiah points us toward?
c. In what ways can you reflect the integrity and justice of the righteous King in your daily life? - Commit to Action
a. What is one practical step you can take this week to trust and follow the Prince of Peace?
b. How can you be an agent of His peace in your family, workplace, or community?
c. Is there a situation where you need to surrender control and trust Jesus for peace?
