Monday 05 December 2022
- Bible Book:
- Isaiah
A shoot shall come out from the stem of Jesse, and a branch shall grow out of his roots…On that day the root of Jesse shall stand as a signal to the peoples; the nations shall inquire of him, and his dwelling shall be glorious. (vs 1, 10)
Background
This vision from Isaiah of Jerusalem inspired the Quaker minister and painter, Edward Hicks, to create his Peaceable Kingdom pictures, over 60 of them! Hicks was painting at a time when there was a rift in the Quaker movement – but his paintings often show a split tree sprouting leaves and animals lying peaceably in its shade.
Perhaps Isaiah is looking at a fallen tree, seemingly lifeless; then, suddenly, he notices little shoots growing from it, signs of life, indications that all is not over. He sees hope for his nation, then under threat from surrounding nations. In spite of how things appeared to him then, there will be a righteous leader, there will be peace and harmony among those who have been at odds with each other – and this will be because people have come to know God. That tender shoot will have become a tree, signalling people to come to the kingdom.
Perhaps we are tempted just to see the fallen tree, destroyed and lifeless, fit only for burning. And perhaps too that is how we see the world today: there is war in Europe and elsewhere; drought afflicts the Horn of Africa, floods have washed away lives and livelihoods in Pakistan, and that’s just the beginning of the list. But it is important to look for shoots of hope which might appear – and if we can’t yet see them, to pray and work for their appearance.
To Ponder:
- Where do you see shoots of hope and encouragement? What might you do to encourage their growth?
- Think of a time in your life when all seemed bleak, and then a little shoot of hope appeared.
Prayer
Loving God, open my eyes to the shoots of hope around me and give me the vision to encourage them. Amen.