December 19: O Radix Jesse, O Flower of Jesse's Stem

O Flower of Jesse's stem,

you have been raised up as a sign for all peoples;

kings stand silent in your presence;

the nations bow down in worship before you.

Come, let nothing keep you from coming to our aid.

The power of persistence can be awe-inspiring. A sapling growing through a crack in a sidewalk, a crocus blooming through the snow ... evidence of nature's determination to thrive.  Isaiah chapter 11 is the source of the imagery in today's cry of longing. Written to the Hebrews forced to live in exile in Babylon, the author reassures them that despite all odds justice will be restored. Jesse was the father of King David, whom the exiles would have recalled -fourteen generations earlier- as a leader when they were strong as a people. 

The great tree may be a stump right now, but the shoot will grow from it. 
The raging fire may be smoldering embers right now.... but it will be fanned into flames again. That's a promise.
A promise fulfilled 14 generations later with the birth of Jesus.

• As you pray today, what situations are testing your patience? 
• What example of persistence inspires you?