As we approach this season, we will once again hear the story of Christ and of Christmas. We will exchange the traditional greetings of “Merry Christmas!” “Happy New Year!” We will speak of joy, hope and peace. But we must ask, “Is this real?” Is there really any hope of joy and peace in this dark, depraved world? Politicians and media personalities are dropping like flies in spiraling scandals. A wicked national leader is threatening us all with his new rocket weapons. The nations do not trust each other and tensions are beginning to rise. So let’s be real. Is there any real hope of peace and joy as we approach the Christmas season and the New Year?
The Scriptures tell us that there is such hope. Romans 15:12-13 declares “. . .There shall be a root of Jesse, and He that shall rise to reign over the Gentiles; in him shall the Gentiles trust. Now the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that ye may abound in hope, through the power of the Holy Ghost.”
In this brief holiday series, we will study this “Root of Jesse” (a quote from Isaiah 11). It is He who shall rise to rule the nations, and the nations will trust Him. And here is the real reason for wishing others well in this season. Through this “Root of Jesse,” “the God of hope” will “fill you with all joy and peace . . .” through the Holy Spirit. If the God of hope has given you a leader who can guide you into joy and peace, would you want his help? If such an advisor is available to you, wouldn’t you want to take full advantage of his guidance? In this brief series, we will learn about the blessings of the Branch, the Root of Jesse.
Let’s turn to the Old Testament Book of Zechariah and chapter 3. And as we turn, let’s consider the broad message of the Bible, the Book of books. What is the Bible all about? In this coming New Year, when you read through your Bible, it would be good to keep the overall message in mind. What is it?
The first five Books of the Bible: In Genesis through Deuteronomy, we learn about the Law given by God. From the earliest pages, they emphasize the need for a sacrificial covering for sin. One entire book was written to show the priests, the Levites, how to offer up sacrifices: the Book of Leviticus. Yet as you read these first five books, you walk away longing for the perfect sacrifice, and the perfect priest, the perfect mediator.
The next twelve Books of the Bible: In Joshua through Esther, we learns to look for something else. Joshua (whose name means, “Jehovah is salvation”) emerges to lead his people into the Promised Land. But Joshua died, and in the Book of Judges, one leader after another died, and the people rebelled. And all the while, through 1 and 2 Samuel, 1 and 2 Kings, 1 and 2 Chronicles (of the Kings), the people were looking for the flawless king, the perfect majesty.
In the 5 Poetic Books, you find. . . [continue reading] or [listen to sermon]