THE STORY OF JESUS: Isaiah 10-12
“A shoot will come up from the stump of Jesse; a Branch will bear fruit.” (Isaiah 11:1)
Our world is a mess: violence, war, oppression, abuse, injustice, misery.
In this mess God plants a tree – Israel – in the hope of reclaiming His garden.
But that tree is as messed up spiritually, morally, socially, as everyone else.
Despite serious pruning, God eventually has to chop that tree down too.
But God’s plan is not a failure, for out of the stump we see a shoot.
That shoot from the line of David (Jesse’s stump) is different.
It bears good fruit, and produces life, goodness, blessing, hope.
Of all humans ever, Jesus alone lives as a good tree, with good fruit.
I believe that Jesus is the key to restoring God’s kingdom paradise.
When violence and immorality will end, and everyone will live in peace.
As Jesus followers, we are invited to become branches in this tree.
By ourselves we cannot restore God’s garden paradise.
But if we remain in Him, like branches, we can bear good fruit (John 15:1-8).
We help Jesus restore God’s paradise by dong good with/like/for Him!
What do you sense the Lord saying to you?
PRAYER
Lord, You are working to make my life fruitful like Yours. Help me to plant seeds of goodness, and not mess up Your garden with more weeds.