Narrative Lectionary Key Verse for Today
“Let me sing for my beloved
my love-song concerning his vineyard:
My beloved had a vineyard
on a very fertile hill.”
NL Daily Devotion for Sunday, November 17, 2019
by Dr. Kimberly Leetch, Clergy Stuff
Main Idea: Although Israel had sinned and would suffer the consequence of conquering and exile, God would send “a shoot...from the stump of Jesse” to redeem them.
With the kingdom still divided, the southern kingdom of Judah also fell away from the ways of God. Isaiah prophesied at a time when invading armies attacked regularly and the threat of conquer and exile was always looming.
Isaiah attributed the presence of enemies to the wickedness of Judah (southern kingdom). God told him Israel was like “wild grapes” instead of grapes worthy of harvest. God had done everything right to prepare and nurture Judah to be worthy of God’s claim on them, but they failed despite God’s efforts. The consequence would be conquering and exile.
But God could not remain angry with God’s chosen forever. One day God would send someone touched by the spirit, wise and godly. They would redeem all of Israel with just judgment and lead them to peace.
Christians understand this “shoot...from the stump of Jesse” to mean Jesus. His ancestral connection with David, his being touched by the Holy Spirit, along with the works and teachings during his lifetime are all consistent with Isaiah’s prophecy. The redeemer has come!
For pre-Christian readers, this text points to an Israel that has returned to its roots, that has become once again the child God desires: wise, just, righteous, and faithful.
Where do your roots lie?
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