The Root Of David

I, Jesus, have sent My angel to testify to you these things in the churches.  I am the Root and the Offspring of David, the Bright and Morning Star.’

Revelation 22:16

Christ describes Himself as ‘the Root and the Offspring of David.’  These two self-descriptions deserve separate treatments.  How is Christ ‘the Root of David?’  A root is the foundation of a tree.  In one sense it is the origin of the tree.  From it the tree derives nourishment and stability.  The root system is the giver of life to the tree.  David was the sweet psalmist of Israel and their beloved king.  The city of Jerusalem still houses his tomb and his star is the symbol of the nation.  Christ says, ‘I am the Root of David.’  Between Christ and David there is a particularly close relationship.  Here, Christ alludes to one aspect of that relationship.  As the creator, Christ gave life to David.  He is David’s Originator.  To David He gave nourishment and stability.  David flourished as does a tree because of Christ.  We are the spiritual inheritors of David’s Christ. As Christ was David’s creator, so also Christ is our Creator.  From Him we have our origin.  From Him we have nourishment and stability.  By our relation to Him we are ‘like the tree, planted beside the rivers of water that brings forth his fruit in his season.  His leaf also shall not wither and whatsoever he does shall prosper.’

Our Glorious Living Christ,
we rejoice that all we are and have is from You.
We praise You that You give to us
life, breath, and all things.

Tomm Tice
Where the Bush is Burning