December 5: Isaiah 11:1-5

Key Verse: Isaiah 11:1
A shoot will come up from the stump of Jesse; from his roots a Branch will bear fruit.

Devotion:
Do you have a hard time trying to convince people God exists or how they should believe and trust in Jesus? Well, maybe you are going about things the wrong way round… Jesus did not come and start shouting out the gospel trying to get people to listen to Him. He came to first belong with the people as a human Himself. Then He did righteous acts to persuade the people there was a different way of existing.

Then, and only then, did He perform miracles and tell people about God. He came to be amongst us and to live with us so we would not feel threatened or disbelieve incredulous stories. He came and showed people a different way of living and showed them they too can choose to live differently; a way which encompassed having God at the very core of life!

When Jesus showed compassion, it was for the people who needed it in their lives. He did not ignore people because they had not dressed up or gave enough money, He chose people because He knew they needed God in their lives, people who would be willing to listen in the end.

He did not judge people by the way they looked or talked. He judged people with absolute righteousness given to Him by The Father. When we listen to God we will be surprised at the people we get to sit at the table with and we will be further surprised at how He can change their hearts… not us...

Points to Ponder:
Have you tried to tell people about God?

Did you start by simply belonging with them?