“A shoot will come up from the stump of Jesse; from his roots a Branch will bear fruit.
Isaiah 11:1 NIV
In this politically and militarily charged world, humanity is looking for a leader who will fulfill their obligations to their people. If you are one of those people who are desperately looking for a leader today, what kind of leader would you choose? Are you looking for a leader who exhibits strength or compassion; toughness or tenderness; intellectual prowess or emotional intelligence? Does gender or upbringing matter? Does their faith matter? Are you looking for a leader who only cares about himself/herself or are you looking for one who cares about people?
The truth is that throughout history, humanity has been on an endless search for great leadership. In the book of Judges, we are reminded repeatedly how the people searched for a leader but were constantly disappointed by the choices they made. Despite God’s warnings, the people chose their leaders at face value, only to later regret deeply the choices they had made. All these leaders disobeyed God at some point bringing divine judgement upon themselves.
Amid a tumultuous period in Israel’s history, the prophet Isaiah (11:1) states, “A shoot will come up from the stump of Jesse; from his roots a Branch will bear fruit. (NIV)” This was a message of hope in dark times. Isaiah was telling the people to expect a righteous leader. This leader would emerge from the seemingly cut-off royal line of David. This leader would bring restoration, justice and God’s Presence. This leader would usher in an era of peace and divine rule.
Beloved, Isaiah’s prophecy has been fulfilled. This leader has already come. His name is “Immanuel”, (which means, “God with us)”. In him is our peace and strength for these challenging times. Stop looking for a leader who will only disappoint. The Christmas season reminds us that he has already come. He dwells within us, and yet, we celebrate each Christmas with the anticipation that he is coming again to establish a new heaven and a new earth (Rev. 21:1 NIV). As we participate in the services and rituals of Christmas, let us give thanks to God for our leader, Jesus Christ, and let us rejoice for the hope that we have in him. Our leader will never disobey God. Our leader is for all people, even us. AMEN!