This Advent I’m rediscovering the Revised Standard Version, which was the first Bible I was given as a third grader and used in church for many years. It is a revision of the American Standard Version which came from the King James Version. The language is older but still speaks to me, especially beautiful and familiar Christmas passages.
Our scripture this morning is Isaiah 11:1-2 (RSV).
There shall come forth a shoot from the stump of Jesse, and a branch shall grow out of his roots. 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 had a difficult task: to convince the people of their sin and turn them back toward God, but also to comfort and assure them that God still loved them. This is an issue we continue to face today, our recurring sin and God’s constant love for us no matter what.
This promise of a Messiah from the line of David gave hope to the people of that time. Jesus came to share God’s love and teach us to do the same. He showed us “the spirit of wisdom and understanding” and called us into His service.
The Lord Himself tells us “I am the root and the offspring of David, the bright morning star” (Revelation 22:16). We can rely on His love and care for us as we show our brothers and sisters the same love and care He gives us all.
Loving Lord, You came to save us from our sin and teach us that we are all worthy to be called God’s children. Help us to share the joy we know in Your coming to be with us, and live together as You have taught us. Amen.
