Bible
Study: Isaiah 11, 1 to 10 and Luke 10, 21 to 24.
As Christmas
approaches, a lot of people have so many things that make them happy as they look
forward to the coming days with expectation. For some kids, it may be that new
Christmas dress they have been promised or that surprise Santa Claus gift they
would get on their beds upon waking up on Christmas day morning. For some others,
it could just be the fact that the season affords opportunity to rest from work
and visit old friends and family members in the village. Again for others,
their cause for joy could be the opportunity the season affords to get a lot of
free food and drinks from even their stingiest neighbours.
Whatever
may be our reason for joy, today’s readings tell us exactly what should be our
ultimate cause for happiness as Christmas approaches. Hence both our first
reading and Gospel passage are set on a very joyful tone.
Today,
Isaiah speaks about the stump of Jesse on whom the Spirit of the Lord shall
rest and in the Gospel passage, Jesus happily reveals his identity as the stump
of Jesse adding: “Blessed are you for seeing these things because many longed
to see them but could not.” Dear friends, the Good news about Christmas is that
GOD NEVER FAILS. What God has promised,
he will fulfil.
As at the
time Isaiah was prophesying, many could only imagine what the Redeemer would
look like, they longed to see Jesus but couldn’t. But then, aren’t we lucky
that what even Isaiah could only imagine, we have come to know? Hence, Jesus
rejoices with us and for us. And what are to do? We must also rejoice and be
happy knowing that we do not serve a God who lacks integrity, we do not serve a
God who does not keep his promises; we do not serve a God who says “Yes” today
and changes overnight. We serve a God whose words are “Yes and Amen.”
Isaiah prophesied:
“The Spirit of the LORD shall rest upon him: a Spirit of wisdom and of
understanding, A Spirit of counsel and of strength, a Spirit of knowledge and
of fear of the LORD, and his delight shall be the fear of the LORD….” Isaiah
11, 2. Do you recall how Jesus would later on in Luke 4, 18 to 19 pick up the
scroll in the synagogue to read: “The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he
has anointed me to bring good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim
release to the captives and recovery of sight to the blind, to let the
oppressed go free, to proclaim the year of the Lord's favour.”
What
should be our greatest cause for joy at Christmas? Is it mere festivities, Not
at all! We celebrate Christmas in joy because God did not promise and fail, he kept
his word and gave us his son. And we know his promises to us would surely be fulfilled.
This is the Good News of the Season. God keeps his word! He does not
disappoint.
Let us
Pray: Lord Jesus, may I never experience any disappointment. Amen.
Be Happy. Live Positive. Have Faith.
It is well with you. God bless you.
Fr. Abu.
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