Sunday, December 1, 2024
Scripture: Isaiah 11:1-10

I have always been fascinated with the Old Testament prophets and the fulfillment of messianic prophecy. At the top of the list is Isaiah, whom God chose to deliver warnings to the people of Judah and Jerusalem, who had failed to live up to the covenant with God that they entered into at Mt. Sinai. Not only were they guilty of covenant rebellion, but idolatry and injustice to the poor. Through Isaiah, God warned that He would punish them by sending other nations—first the Assyrians, then the Babylonians—to conquer them and take many into exile. While God declared judgement on His rebellious people, He also sent them a message of hope that a new Jerusalem would be populated by a remnant of Israel that had repented.

Isaiah 11:1 declared that a shoot, or sprout, would come from the root of Jesse, King David’s father, as a prophecy of the coming Messiah who would restore and lead His people with justice and peace. Isaiah 11:2 speaks of the Spirit of the Lord resting on this leader with the spirit of wisdom, understanding and knowledge.

As we look around at a world filled with injustice, evil, and lately natural disasters, we sometimes wonder if there is any hope left. I believe that, on this first Sunday of Advent, as we prepare for the coming of Christ, we can reflect on the Hope that these scriptures present us through the grace and forgiveness afforded to us through the sacrifice of our Lord and Savior. Let us pray that we, as Christians, can lift up that hope and peace to all.

Charlie Cato was married to Faye for 65 years and a member of Yates for 52 of them.