Isaiah 11:10 – In that day the Root of Jesse will stand as a banner for the peoples;
the nations will rally to him, and his resting place will be glorious.
In ancient warfare, the “banner” or “standard” was very important. As a combatant, you would always rally to the banner. It showed where you belonged. When the banner advanced, you would advance; when the banner retreated, you would retreat.
In Isaiah 11:10—a common Advent text—the prophet Isaiah speaks about the coming Messiah as a “banner” or “standard.” The Messiah, referred to as “the Root of Jesse,” will be like a flag or ensign, to which people will rally.
And when people rally to him, they will find a “resting place” that will be “glorious.” As New Testament Christians, we think about how Jesus gives us rest from the guilt and punishment of sin. We who deserve nothing but God’s anger and punishment are forgiven of all sin through the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus in our place. We have rest for our souls here on earth, and the promise of eternal rest in heaven forever.
But who will rally to this banner? Will the Root of Jesse rally the Old Testament Israelites? No, Isaiah says that he will “stand as a banner for the peoples; the nations will rally to him.”
Isaiah 11:10 is one of many Old Testament prophecies that predict the worldwide extent of the New Testament Church under the Messiah. The saving work of Jesus is for all nations—for every human being in every country in every age. No one is excluded.
When I see passages like this, I think of the Confessional Evangelical Lutheran Conference. In our association, God has gathered believers from over thirty different countries of the world, from six different continents. It is wonderful to behold the variety of people gathered into our fellowship, in fulfillment of Old Testament prophecy.
Still, more wonderful is what we all receive from the Root of Jesse. In Christ, we have found “a resting place” that is “glorious.” We have the forgiveness of our sins.
May the Lord richly bless your Christmas celebration as you celebrate the birth of our Savior, Jesus!
From CELC President Thomas Nass, on behalf of the CELC Planning Committee
P.S. Registration for the 2026 International Convention in Zambia will open on January 1. If you are interested in attending and have not received an email invitation, please contact me at president@celc.info.
