By Pastor Mark Moreno
Unlikely Places
You can listen to today’s devotion by clicking on this SoundCloud link.
I am amazed that some trees grow in the most difficult climate and locations. I don’t know if you have ever noticed it, but I find it fascinating. The picture today is such a striking image: The brown rock face behind the vibrant green tree. You can just make out the water below.
Scripture speaks of a “tree” that would grow in an unlikely place in Isaiah 11:1-5:
“There shall come forth a shoot from the stump of Jesse,
and a branch from his roots shall bear fruit.
And the Spirit of the Lord shall rest upon him,
the Spirit of wisdom and understanding,
the Spirit of counsel and might,
the Spirit of knowledge and the fear of the Lord.
And his delight shall be in the fear of the Lord.
He shall not judge by what his eyes see,
or decide disputes by what his ears hear,
but with righteousness he shall judge the poor,
and decide with equity for the meek of the earth;
and he shall strike the earth with the rod of his mouth,
and with the breath of his lips he shall kill the wicked.
Righteousness shall be the belt of his waist,
and faithfulness the belt of his loins.”
English Standard Version
This speaks about how the promised Messiah, Jesus, would come and bring healing, forgiveness, life and salvation for all people. You may hear these words and wonder if it’s true for you. You may find yourself in a place, a situation where you face incredible difficulties.
There was a tree in the backyard that I tried so hard to keep alive, but there came a time that I knew it just wasn’t going to make it. The branches were dry, and no leaves would grow. I cut it down to see if that might help. It did! A new shoot took off and it is a big, strong tree today!
I encourage you to be strengthened and fed by the gospel of Jesus! Though there are difficulties and challenges, God is faithful to be with us in the midst of any and every moment.
Copyright Family of Christ Lutheran Church, Colorado Springs, Colorado
