This Advent season I keep coming back to Isaiah – especially chapter 11.
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 the knowledge and fear of the Lord—
and he will delight in the fear of the Lord.
… In that day the Root of Jesse will stand as a banner for the peoples; the nations will rally to him, and his resting place will be glorious.
Advent is the anticipation of completion … the fulfillment of time, the glorious resting place. This is the “big” picture of time, the beginning and ending known only to God.
God is at work in my world! In your world as well!
He is at work in the details of our lives!
“He who began a good work in each of us will carry it
on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.”
Isaiah reminds us that Jesus, the root of Jesse is our banner! We identify with Him, we unite under His flag, and we rally together … for he will complete the work he has begun!
This Advent season, let’s contemplate the good work begun in each of us. Lean in to Him. Praise Him for the pending completion of the good work begun.
