Jesus, The Coming Messiah: Advent Readings from Old Testament to New
December 13: The Messiah as Sprout from Jesse’s Stump
Readings: Isaiah 11:1-10; Matthew 3:13-17; John 15:1-7

Isaiah 11:1-2, The Voice
But on this humbled ground, a tiny shoot, hopeful and promising, will sprout from Jesse’s stump; A branch will emerge from his roots to bear fruit. And on this child from David’s line, the Spirit of the Eternal One will alight and rest.

Matthew 3:15, The Voice
John agreed, and he ritually cleansed Jesus, dousing Him in the waters of the Jordan. Jesus emerged from His baptism; and at that moment heaven was opened, and Jesus saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and coming upon Him, alighting on His very body.

John 15:5, The Voice
Jesus said, “I am the vine, and you are the branches. If you abide in Me and I in you, you will bear great fruit. Without Me, you will accomplish nothing.”

God’s family tree, once beautiful and thriving, is cut off by foolishness, pride, sin and circumstance. The promised homeland is destroyed by invaders. The best and brightest are taken to foreign lands to serve their captors. Generations pass. Some finally come home to ruins.

Our life can follow that same path. Something happens to our healthy, vibrant family tree. It comes like lightning in a storm, shattering us with a deafening clap. Or it come more subtly, as disease and decaying choices rot us from the inside slowly. There’s no more shade. No more fruit. All that is left is a stump- cut off from once was.

Yet, in those ruins, in that cut off stump is God’s grace – an old, determined root. From it springs something green, tender, and vulnerable. Something new. This new life starts small – like a babe in a manger – but it can grow. – Lisa Degrenia <><

Prayer
Hallelujah to Jesus!
The promised shoot from Jesse’s stump
Bringing a new and tender grace

Hallelujah to Jesus!
The Good Gardner’s Vine
Graft us into your everlasting life

Hallelujah to Jesus!
The Christ, the Anointed One
May the Holy Spirit rest on us as it did you

Rest on us Spirit of Wisdom and Counsel
Rest on us Spirit of Favor and Might
Rest on us Spirit of Reverence and Awe

Rest on us and resurrect us
to righteousness, faithfulness, and your promised peace

Click here for another reflection by Lisa entitled Jesus the Vine

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Thank you for setting aside times this Holy Season to seek the One we celebrate.

Jesus, The Coming Messiah is an Advent Bible Reading Plan highlighting the Old Testament prophesies and passages which Christians see fulfilled in Jesus.

As you read each passage, consider how this description of Jesus the Messiah reveals his character, motivation, and purpose. How does this description inspire you to trust Jesus and his promises? How will you apply and share what you have discovered? I look forward to your comments.

If you’re in Sarasota, please drop by Trinity United Methodist Church for one of our seasonal events or services or just to say, “Hi.” You’re always welcome and wanted.

Happy Advent and Merry Christmas! – Lisa <

The Messiah as Shoot from Jesse’s Stump © 2017 Lisa Ann Moss Degrenia
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