The Glorious Hope: Between Two Comings
As we journey through Advent, we find ourselves living in a unique moment in history—between two profound arrivals. We celebrate the first coming of Christ at Christmas while eagerly awaiting His promised return. This tension between "already" and "not yet" shapes our entire Christian experience.
A Message from Ancient Times
The prophet Isaiah spoke into a moment of national crisis. Writing in the 8th century BC, he witnessed the very real threat of Assyrian invasion. The northern kingdom of Israel had already fallen into exile, and Judah teetered on the brink of disaster. Under King Ahaz, who worshipped foreign gods, much of David's once-glorious kingdom had been overrun. What remained was little more than a stump—a shadow of its former glory.
Yet into this darkness, Isaiah spoke words of breathtaking hope.
From Stump to Shoot
Isaiah's prophecy begins with a powerful image: "A shoot will come up from the stump of Jesse. From his roots a branch will bear fruit."
Think of that famous sycamore tree by Hadrian's Wall—the one illegally felled in 2023. Even after its destruction, shoots began sprouting from the stump, carrying the promise of future life. Isaiah's imagery is similar but far more profound.
Jesse was King David's father, a humble man from Bethlehem. By referring to Jesse rather than David himself, Isaiah signals something remarkable: this coming Messiah would not be born in a palace or live a privileged life. Though royal by lineage, He would be humble in nature, lowly in birth, mixing with outcasts and those overlooked by society.
But here's where it gets truly extraordinary. Isaiah also calls this figure "the root of Jesse"—meaning Jesse himself sprang from Him. This Messiah is both descendant and ancestor, the origin and support of the very family tree into which He would be born. He exists before and beyond the human lineage that would produce Him.
Equipped by the Spirit
Isaiah describes six characteristics of the Spirit that would rest upon this Messiah:
Wisdom and understanding—not just knowledge, but the ability to see the heart of every issue as it truly is. This Messiah would understand us perfectly, seeing past appearances to reality.
Counsel and might—the ability to devise the right course of action and the power to accomplish it. His decisions would be perfect, even when our limited vision makes them seem strange.
Knowledge and fear of the Lord—complete truth grasped and applied, combined with a life of perfect submission, respect, and honor toward God. Not fear as terror, but as reverent trust.
This wouldn't be someone occasionally inspired by God's Spirit, but God Himself dwelling among us—Emmanuel, God with us.
Justice That Transforms
How would this Messiah-King act? Not by judging appearances or listening to hearsay. Whether someone wore rich attire or filthy rags wouldn't matter. He would see the heart.
His justice wouldn't favor the needy simply because they're disadvantaged, but would ensure what is truly right and fair prevails. If justice was given to the poor and weak—those unable to fight for themselves—then all would receive justice.
We all want justice. News reports constantly feature people seeking accountability for wrongs committed. But here's the sobering reality: when Jesus returns, He will pronounce sentence on the wicked. They will be judged and receive punishment for their wickedness.
The question is: are we ready for that kind of justice?
A World Transformed
Isaiah's vision extends beyond human relationships to all of creation. He describes a world where:
The wolf lives with the lamb
Predator and prey lie together peacefully
The cow feeds with the bear
Lions become vegetarian
Infants play safely near cobra dens
No harm or destruction occurs on God's holy mountain
This isn't mere poetry. It's a glimpse of restoration—the curse of Genesis reversed, the original dominion given to humanity in the Garden of Eden fully restored. Even the enmity between humanity and the serpent will be gone.
The earth will be "full of the knowledge of the Lord as the waters cover the sea." God in all His fullness will dwell with His people in personal, intimate communion. No barriers. Peace, holiness, and the glory of the Lord filling everything.
What About Now?
This ancient message speaks powerfully to our present moment. We face similar threats to those Judah experienced: wars, erosion of foundational values, exploitation of the vulnerable, and a groaning creation struggling under climate challenges and natural disasters.
All of us face judgment—not just those who actively oppress others, but those of us who remain complacent, comfortable in our own little worlds.
But here's the glorious hope: over 2,000 years ago, the Messiah came. Everything changed. God offered pardon, forgiveness of sins, and glorious hope through Jesus Christ. His death and resurrection secured our pardon, making us clean from sin.
We eagerly seek justice and punishment for wrongdoing. But do we realize that judgment includes all who reject Jesus, who refuse to put their faith and trust in Him?
Living Between Two Comings
As we celebrate Advent, we're not just commemorating a birth that happened long ago. Christmas represents the beginning of new life made possible on a worldwide scale. Through Jesus, we have access to forgiveness, transformation, and an unshakable hope.
When Christ returns—and no one knows when except God the Father; it could be today—He will take us home. The root of Jesse will stand as a banner for all peoples. Nations will rally to Him, and His resting place will be glorious.
This hope should energize us. If we truly love our neighbors, family, and friends, we cannot keep this good news to ourselves. Without Jesus, they face judgment. With Jesus, they receive the same glorious hope we have.
This Advent season, let us remember: Jesus is our glorious hope, and He is coming back. Let us encourage one another with this truth and share the gospel with those who don't yet know Him.
The stump of Jesse has produced a shoot that will one day fill the entire earth with God's glory. That's worth celebrating—and sharing.