Our scripture this Sunday comes to us from Isaiah 11:1-10 and is a prophecy of the Messiah. The shoot from the stump of Jesse, found in verse one, seems an unlikely source of peace. Israel, at the time, is a broken kingdom. Yet, from this dead-looking root rises a Spirit-anointed King. Isaiah writes that wisdom and understanding rest on Him; the knowledge and fear of the Lord are His breath (11:2-3). His reign does not crush the weak but judges with righteousness and equity for the poor (11:4). Even the broken  creation we are in is remade: wolf and lamb, leopard and goat, calf and lion lie down together under the care of a little child  (11:6-8). The earth becomes “full of the knowledge of the Lord as the waters cover the sea.” (11:9; NASB).

 This is no sentimental dream. It is the peace the Messiah will bring here on Earth. Our New Testament scripture, Romans    15:4-13, serves us as a reminder that these ancient Scriptures were written for our benefit to give us peace. The same Root of Jesse, Jesus Christ, now rules as the risen Lord, drawing Gentiles and Jews together in one song of praise (Rom. 15:8-12, quoting Isaiah 11:10). Through faith in Him the God of hope fills us with all joy and peace, overflowing with the power of the Holy Spirit (Rom 15:13).

 Until the day the knowledge of the Lord covers the earth, we live as ambassadors of that peace. This would involve reconciling   enemies, protecting the vulnerable, stewarding creation, and    proclaiming the  gospel of peace (Eph 6:15). The Child has been born, the Son given  (Isa 9:6). The Prince of Peace has come. He is coming again to make all things new. In Him alone the nations will find peace.

 Amen.            Pastor Andrew