December 14—A Branch from Jesse’s Stump

A shoot will come up from the stump of Jesse; from his roots a Branch will bear fruit. Isaiah 11:1 (Full Context: Isaiah 11; also 2 Samuel 7 and Luke 1:31-33)

Isaiah was an 8th century B.C. prophet. He warned Israel against alliances with foreign countries, worship of other deities and urged Judah to return to trusting God. He also spoke against the social ills of the day.

-Israel often found itself struggling to follow God.
-They were confused by the teachings and lifestyles of the priests.
-They were determined to prove that the Jews were God’s chosen people.
-There were those like Moses, Abraham and Noah who seemed to have a relationship with God—even talking and listening to or/with God.
-They found that surrounding countries’ kings and leaders did not follow God or even wanted to possess their land.
-Those who were not Jews did not find the “love of God” including them.
-God was able and did allow for followers to be punished for disobedience. God also used His creations to bring about His purpose for his followers.

Isaiah predicted that the only hope for the world was for God’s intervention to provide a deliverer, not political alliances, material wealth or religious pretense.

Isaiah first talks about the child “Immanuel” in Chapter 7. He predicts the fall of Jerusalem. From his despair of what he sees happening in the circumstances of his world, he turns his eyes toward the future and gives a picture of a world without war, ruled by a righteous and benevolent King from the line of David, consisting of the redeemed of ALL nations together with the restored remnant of Judah. This promise of God providing the Messiah to meet the needs of ALL his human creations is still available to us.

Sounds so much like today. Even Isaiah said and we agree today that God would/has sent the Messiah to pay the price for our sins and grant us everlasting peace. There is no other relationship that provides for us inner support, a solid relationship with God and the promise that He will be with us forever.
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~Ellie Watkins