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December 8

The Stump 

Text: Isaiah 11:1-2

One of my favorite children's books is The Giving Tree by Shel Silverstein. It is a story of a boy and a tree. The tree gives of itself to the boy for his whole life. One of the final scenes is the boy (who is now old) sitting on the stump of his childhood tree. Every stage of life the tree finds a way to care for the boy. 

There was another stump that had a much greater purpose. An eternal purpose. From its roots would come forth a tree that would transform the world. 

“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)

This shoot, this tree, will bear fruit. The promised One will have the Spirit of the Lord upon Him. He will be different. No one can compare to His wisdom, His understanding, His counsel, His might, His knowledge, His submission or His ability to shelter us from the storms of life. Where are you finding shelter? There is only one tree to turn to. Be ready, Christmas is coming.