October 19 THE ROOT AND OFFSPRING 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" (Revelation 22:16, NKJV). Just before the curtain falls in the drama of human history. John offers the redeemed a vivid glimpse of Jesus, his friend and Redeemer. In this scene, Jesus identifies Himself as the "Root and the Offspring of David" (Revelation 22:16, NKJV). As the Offspring of David, the Messiah was seen as an invincible conqueror who would crush all enemies and restore the kingdom of Israel (see Matthew 21:9; Acts 1:6). Employing the imagery of the conqueror-king, our text today refers to Christ as the "Root and the Offspring of David." He is the authentic and final Hero-King of the universe. As such, Jesus appears before the redeemed at the end of history and the beginning of the eternal reign of righteousness. He has decisively defeated the forces of evil, liberated the human race, crushed Satan's head, swallowed up death in victory, and is now ready to rule in righteousness. The "Root and the Offspring of David" is about to usher in the great universal kingdom to which "there will be no end" (Luke 1:33, NKJV). Daniel says, "His kingdom is an everlasting kingdom" (Daniel 7:27, NKJV). The "Root and the Offspring of David" is also the "Shiloh, the peace giver... This was He whom seers had long foretold. He was the Desire of all nations... and the Bright and Morning Star."--The Faith I live By, p. 47. My Prayer Today: Lord, I pray "Lead on, O King Eternal!" Amen.