In the past we have been asked where our name, "THE BRANCH" came from. The initial idea for our name was derived from Old Testament scripture which prophesied the promise of the true "Branch" of God our Savior Jesus. This particular Hebrew word "Zemach," is only used in four disntintive ways to describe the "Branch."
Below are the key verses which gave us our name The Branch Church:
1) These two verses in Jeremiah describe the "Branch" as a King who will be raised up. Jesus is portrayed this way in Matthew's gospel, beginning with the account of His royal lineage.
"Behold, the days are coming," says the Lord, "That I will raise to David BRANCH of righteousness; a King shall reign and prosper, and execute judgment and righteousness in the earth."
Jeremiah 23:5
"In those days and at that time I will cause to grow up to David a BRANCH of righteousness; He shall execute judgment and righteousness in the earth."
Jeremiah 33:15
2) This first verse in Zechariah describes the "Branch" as a servant. This account is found in Mark's gospel. Mark is the shortest account of the life of Jesus, but contains the most action.
"Hear, O Joshua, the high priest, You and your companions who sit before you, for they are a wondrous sign; for behold, I am bringing forth My Servant the BRANCH."
Zechariah 3:8
3) This second verse in Zechariah describes the "Branch" as a man. We can attribute this to Luke's gospel and his depiction of the Christ. This makes a lot of sense considering Luke's profession as a physician.
"Then speak to him, saying, 'Thus says the Lord of hosts, saying: "Behold, the Man whose name is the BRANCH from His place He shall branch out, and He shall build the temple of the Lord."
Zechariah 6:12
4) The fifth use of the Hebrew word "Zemach" in Isaiah, relates later to the gospel of John. John wasn't so concerned with cold hard facts as he was with bringing out the meaning, beauty, and glory of the life of Jesus.
"In that day the BRANCH of the Lord shall be beautiful and glorious; and the fruit of the earth shall be excellent and appealing for those of Israel who have escaped."
Isaiah 4:2
