O Come, Thou Rod of Jesse

As we begin the celebration of the Advent season, the reality of Christ’s first coming ought to naturally cause us to anticipate His second coming—the sermon text for this week does just that. Isaiah 11 is rich in imagery as the prophet calls our attention to the description and the rule of “the Shoot of Jesse.” In verse 5 we are told that He will wear the belt of righteousness and faithfulness. Interestingly enough, the Apostle Paul appears to make direct application for the believer by calling us to wear “the belt of truth” (Eph. 6:14). He goes on to highlight the rest of God’s armor from the text of Isaiah 59. As believers we are called to live and proclaim truthfulness and righteousness. The Shoot of Jesse compels us to be a people of impeccable integrity in a world of sin and corruption. How easy it is to cave in to the need for human approval or shrink back because of the fear of man. Yet, Isaiah says, “ His delight shall be in the fear of the LORD” (11:3), and for this reason the Shoot of Jesse “does not judge by what His eyes see or by what His ears hear.” Rather, He lives in total commitment to truth, which is expressed by His delight in the fear of Yahweh. Standing in awe of God is the key to living and proclaiming truth unashamedly. As we await the glorious return of Christ, may the truth of God’s Word guide us in our pursuit to live and look like Jesus. – Pastor Nate Wagner

Sunday at Liberty

• BTH: Pastor Rory–Ecclesiology–Evangelism vs Social Justice
• AM: Pastor Rory–Isaiah 11:1-10–O Come, Thou Rod of Jesse (sermon notes)
• PM: Pastor Rory–John 15:1-11–Jesus Is the Vine