Devotion:
Read Isaiah 11:1-11.
Jesse was the father of King David. Jesus was a descendant from David’s line so in that sense he was also a descendant of Jesse. This passage is a prophecy of Christ’s coming. Jesus, the Savior, is the shoot that comes forth from the stump of Jesse. Remember, at this point in history, Christ had not yet come and Israel was under great oppression by the country of Assyria. Not only does this passage speak to Christ’s coming but it also gives us a description of his future, eternal Kingdom, one where the wolf and the lamb will live together in peace. It will be a land where nothing will hurt or destroy. Nations will rally together and it will be a glorious place. Sounds like heaven, doesn’t it!
In this Christmas season many of us have beautiful Christmas trees in our homes decorated with lights and decorations and ribbons. And when the Christmas season passes, they'll be thrown away or stored in boxes. But there is also another tree, a living tree, a shoot from the stump of Jesse, a fruitful Branch. And this is the tree you will always want in your home. This tree, this Jesus of Nazareth, is someone you'll never want to throw out or store away in a box. Why not? Because, as this passage describes, he is the Spirit of wisdom, the Spirit of counsel, and the Spirit of knowledge who will bring you peace this season and always.
Personal Worship Option:
Heavenly Father, thank you for the promise of peace through your Son, Jesus. Thank you for the promise of life eternal. Today I pray for your promised wisdom, counsel, and knowledge as I seek to reflect your light in the world. In Jesus’ name, amen.
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