December 6th - The Shoot of Jesse

Reading of Scripture

A shoot will come up from the stump of Jesse; from his roots a Branch will bear fruit. The Spirit of the Lord will rest on him—the Spirit of wisdom and of understanding, the Spirit of counsel and of might, the Spirit of knowledge and fear of the Lord. (Isaiah 11:1-2)

In gardening, there's something remarkable about seeing new growth emerge from what appears to be dead. Anyone who has cut down a tree knows that sometimes, against all odds, a small shoot can spring forth from the stump, reaching toward the sunlight with surprising vigor. This image of unexpected life from death is exactly what Isaiah uses to describe the coming Messiah.

The "stump of Jesse" refers to the family line of King David, Jesse's son. By the time Isaiah wrote these words, the once-mighty kingdom of David had been reduced to a mere shadow of its former glory. Like a tree cut down to its base, it seemed the royal line had reached its end. But God had different plans – from this seemingly dead stump, He promised a new shoot would emerge.

This shoot wouldn't just be another king in David's line; this would be the Messiah himself. Notice how the Spirit of the Lord would rest upon him in fullness – wisdom, understanding, counsel, might, knowledge, and fear of the Lord. These qualities paint a picture of someone who would lead not through mere political power, but through divine guidance and authority.

During Advent, we remember that Jesus is this promised shoot. In a world that often feels like it's filled with dead stumps – broken dreams, failed attempts at justice, and seemingly hopeless situations – we celebrate that God brings life from death. Jesus emerged not from a position of worldly power, but from humble beginnings, demonstrating that God's strength often works in unexpected ways.

Further Reading:

"The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of deep darkness a light has dawned. You have enlarged the nation and increased their joy; they rejoice before you as people rejoice at the harvest, as warriors rejoice when dividing the plunder. For as in the day of Midian's defeat, you have shattered the yoke that burdens them, the bar across their shoulders, the rod of their oppressor." (Isaiah 9:2-5)

Ask the Following Questions:

1. Where in your life do you see situations that feel like "dead stumps" – areas that seem hopeless or beyond repair? How might God be preparing to bring new life to these situations?

2. The Spirit rested on Jesus with wisdom, understanding, counsel, might, knowledge, and fear of the Lord. Which of these qualities do you most need in your life right now, and why?

3. Many people in Jesus' time missed recognizing him as the Messiah because he didn't match their expectations. In what ways might you be putting limitations on how God can work in your life based on your own expectations?

Prayer:

Lord God, thank you for being the God who brings life from death and hope from despair. Help us to recognize your work in our lives, even when it doesn't match our expectations. Give us patience to wait for your timing and wisdom to see your hand at work. May we, like that shoot from Jesse's stump, grow in wisdom, understanding, and the fear of the Lord. Guide us to be bearers of hope in places that seem hopeless. In Jesus' name, Amen.