Hope For Gentile

The Bible is laden with good news about hope. The beautiful thing is that this hope is not just for the Israelites, the chosen people of Sovereign God. We listen to Isaiah, as the writer of Romans records for us. And again, Isaiah says, The Root of Jesse will spring up, one who will arise to rule over the nations; the Gentiles will hope in him. Romans 15: 12. Who is the Root of Jesse? A little search of the offspring of Jesse is helpful, as we are reminded of some hope-engendering, good news.

We pick up the lineage from Boaz, an Ephrathite from Bethlehem, Judah, who redeemed his cousin’s property and married the widow Ruth, who was a Gentile. What Boaz did, in uniting himself with this foreigner, was bad news for the nearest relative, but good news for the relative who was next in line. The Lord was gracious to this mixed union of Israelite and Moabite, and blessed that union with a son called Obed. We are given this piece of genealogy about Obed, in Ruth 4:17b. He was the father of Jesse, the father of David. Yes, this is the same David from whom Jesus has come.

Our minds are turned to the shouting of the celebrating people on the day of Jesus’ triumphal entry into Jerusalem. We are told this. The crowds that went ahead of him and those that followed shouted, Hosanna to the Son of David! Matthew 21: 9a. Matthew even records this praise coming from the lips of children. Uninhibited, melodic and innocent voices of children were heard shouting in the temple area, as they greeted Jesus. Hosanna to the Son of David, Matthew 21: 15b. Jesus is the Son of David, the Root of Jesse. From our text, we note the good news includes Gentiles by name. Remember, Gentiles were excluded and ostracized, a totally shunned people. They were treated as filth, as scum by the Jews, who were forbidden by law, to have any dealings with Gentiles.

In our day, as believing Christians, the meaning of Gentile has taken a shift, in that, although many of us are non-Jews, we have apportioned much of the old Jew and Gentile understanding and responses to people who are not Christians as we are. In other words, as believers, many of us, consciously or unconscientiously, view ourselves as the Jews in relation to Father God. We then view those who are not as we are, in belief and practice, as Gentiles. Thus in thought, word and actions, these people are kept away from us. For example, we see people of other persuasions and denominations as Gentiles, to stay away from. But the Root of Jesse has come with good news in His very human person.

Spread and tell this good news to yourself and others. Jesus is indeed your Brother, for He is truly human and has a human family line and history. This is not just encouraging news, but it is deeply comforting to know that Jesus is really my human Brother. Not only that, but since He is the Root of Jesse, He has mixed roots, for His blood line is a combination of Bethlehemite and Moabite, or Jew and Gentile.

The other good news being lifted out for us is really enormous and so divinely generous, we simply cannot attain unto it with mere carnal senses. Only by faith will we be able to ingest this unbelievable news. The text tells us that the Root of Jesse will be raised up to rule over the nations; the Gentiles will hope in him. Our given understanding of, to rule over the nations, is that Jesus is Ruler, Leader and Monarch of all. But note the specially included clause, the Gentiles will hope in him. Does it not take every Gentile, however or whatever he or she may be and give them place?

Are you this day a Gentile? Is there someone whom you know, to be a Gentile, one who, according to God’s given law, is living outside of all that God has ordained? It may even be you, yourself. Will you tell this good news to yourself and to some other? You do not have to remain outside of our Lord’s Kingdom. There is place for you and all who will receive His free grace and come to Him with repentant hearts and minds. Keep in hope for you and all others who are as Gentiles, for the good news is that the Root of Jesse is here to save us and lead us aright.