A Branch

 A BRANCH

Guest Blog by Gary Riedel

S - Scripture:

Isaiah 11:1 There shall come forth a shoot from the stump of Jesse, and a BRANCH from his roots shall bear fruit.

O- OBSERVATION: 

This is the first Sunday in Advent and as we think about how disruptive the Babylonian captivity

was on David’s lineage, (Jesse being David’s father), isn’t it amazing that God preserved this lineage that we read about each Christmas in Luke 2:4 And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he was of the House and lineage of David). For some fascinating history, read about the genealogy of Jesus in Matthew chapter 1. The BRANCH, is of course the promised “Messiah” or Jesus. There is also a hymn written about this; “Behold a BRANCH is Growing”. 

A - APPLICATION: 

God keeps His promises!!! No matter how badly things were for His people during the captivity, nothing could prevent Him from sending His Son at just the right time Galatians 4:4. This BRANCH fulfilled the purpose for which God intended, that you and I by God’s Grace and the power of the Holy Spirit might receive forgiveness and inherit Life Eternal. In the process we also become the adopted sons and daughters of Our Heavenly Father Galatians 4:4! May these thoughts sustain us and comfort us as we go through an unsettled time in our history. God has dominion over all!!!

P - PRAYER: 

Gracious Father, You always work all things together for our good, no matter the situation, because of the BRANCH, we know that in spite of what this life brings, we will spend Eternity with You! Grant us that faith,Lord, In Jesus Name, Amen