Behold The Savior - Day 8

Today’s Devotional: The Root of Jesse

Monday, December 8

“There shall come forth a shoot from the stump of Jesse, and a branch from his roots shall bear fruit. And the Spirit of the Lord shall rest upon him, the Spirit of wisdom and understanding, the Spirit of counsel and might, the Spirit of knowledge and the fear of the Lord.” Isaiah 11:1-2

Israel’s story looked hopeless. The glory days of the royal family of David were long behind them. The kingdom was shattered and foreign nations ruled over them. Only a stump remained of a once powerful nation. But God had not forgotten His people. A new shoot would grow from the almost-dead stump of Jesse.

We all know what it’s like to look at a situation and see nothing but a stump. Maybe it’s a dream cut short or a broken relationship. A season that feels empty or wasted. But the God of Scripture specializes in bringing life to what seems impossible. Luke 1:37 says, “For nothing will be impossible with God.” No place is too broken. No life is too far gone. We don’t have to rely on our own strength, but can completely trust in God. He works in the dead areas of our life so that only He gets the glory.

The root of Jesse is the same hope we still have today. Isaiah says that the Spirit of the Lord would rest on Him, giving wisdom, understanding, counsel and might (Isaiah 11:2). He is the perfect ruler. He will rule with righteousness and bring justice to the earth. He is coming into our lives to set things right. If God can bring a new King from a stump, He can bring new hope to our lives. Christmas reminds us that God is a redeeming God who brings hope and restores what’s broken.

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Reflection:

• Where in your life do you feel “cut down” right now? Reflect on the hope we have in Christ.

• What impossible situation do you need to surrender to Jesus today?

Prayer:

Lord, thank You for bringing life from what seems dead. Help me to have hope in the Root of Jesse. You will set all things right. In Jesus’ name, amen.