The Jesse Tree - December 3

As shared on Day 1, the word "genesis" means "beginnings" The book of Genesis is a story of how things began. And things began with such promise - a beautiful weedless, thorn-less garden. It was all "very good." But then disobedience was followed by a curse. Human beings, created in love, created in the image of God - in the image of Jesus - are destined for death.

Like a dead stump.  Like trees with bare branches at the beginning of winter.

But God has better plans than death and barren living. Father, Son and Holy Spirit call a holy conference and a plan is set in motion. If death could come through one disobedient man, then life could be restored through one pure Man.

Don't gloss over these rich words . . .

12 When Adam sinned, sin entered the world. Adam’s sin brought death, so death spread to everyone, for everyone sinned. 13 Yes, people sinned even before the law was given. But it was not counted as sin because there was not yet any law to break. 14 Still, everyone died—from the time of Adam to the time of Moses—even those who did not disobey an explicit commandment of God, as Adam did. Now Adam is a symbol, a representation of Christ, who was yet to come. 15 But there is a great difference between Adam’s sin and God’s gracious gift. For the sin of this one man, Adam, brought death to many. But even greater is God’s wonderful grace and his gift of forgiveness to many through this other man, Jesus Christ. 16 And the result of God’s gracious gift is very different from the result of that one man’s sin. For Adam’s sin led to condemnation, but God’s free gift leads to our being made right with God, even though we are guilty of many sins. 17 For the sin of this one man, Adam, caused death to rule over many. But even greater is God’s wonderful grace and his gift of righteousness, for all who receive it will live in triumph over sin and death through this one man, Jesus Christ.  18 Yes, Adam’s one sin brings condemnation for everyone, but Christ’s one act of righteousness brings a right relationship with God and new life for everyone. - Romans 5:12-18

Death does not have the final say. Death does not have the victory!

God's love created out of the darkness, so now God's love redeems out of death.

Did you find a bare branch to start your Jesse Tree? If so, give it a good long look. Does it represent parts of your life? barren? leafless? fruitless?

How does God want to bring you back to life this season? Where does He need to prune? to prop? to prepare? to provide?

This is the beginning of our story.

Abide. Bear much fruit.

The Jesse Tree - December 2

Check back later for a post message link.

The Jesse Tree - December 1

 " . . . you need a Jesse Tree. A tree with roots so deep into the past, that finger out through the stories of the Old Testament, back to the very beginning, and with branches that stretch so high and wide you can see the whole grand panorama of God's story . . ." - Ann Voskamp

Wow - I wish I could write like that!  This is a season to plant a seed that will grow into a beautiful tree of faith.  As the days grow darker, it may not seem like growing season, but darkness is when the Light is brightest.  You and I have an opportunity to prepare the soil of our hearts for the great coming of a Shoot - rising out of the stump of Jesse - a royal line that stretches back to the first couple, finding fulfillment in the person of Jesus Christ, and that now branches through us.  We have royal sap coursing through our veins!

Branches that bear fruit . . .
IF we stay connected to the Vine.
IF we abide in Jesus.

This is easily a time when we could lose our bearings with all the rush of the secular Christmas.  But the overarching theme of God's story is that, through Christ, secular creation will become sacred again.  Funny - Christmas was meant as a sacred alternative to the prevailing secular and pagan festivals.  But like weeds that too quickly ruin a garden, so has the secular encroached on this most sacred day and season.  We  must intentionally weed out all that would stunt the growth of our faith and this is both the right and most difficult season to do it.

But do it we must . . .
IF we have any hope of bearing fruit.

So are you ready to begin?

The word "genesis" means "beginnings"  The book of Genesis is a story of how things began.  And things began with such promise - a beautiful weedless, thorn-less garden.  It was all "very good."

One thing hinted at in the opening story of Genesis is that God was not alone. The Scriptures are filled with clues that God was in relationship with himself - Father, Son and Holy Spirit.

God said, "Let US make humans in OUR own image . . ."

Jesus was just as involved in the creation story as God, the Father, and the "Spirit (of God) hovering over the waters."

God in relationship - perfect relationship before anything - before time - before order and light.

"The earth was formless and void and darkness covered the deep waters" - in the beginning.  The Hebrew speaks of chaos.

And Father, Son and Holy Spirit bring order and light, plants and animals, and a Garden for humans created in THEIR image!

God didn't create humans because He was relationally needy or lonely.  But He didn't create us simply to be His toys on a cosmic chess board either.  The incarnation proves that we are more than breathing chess pieces.

So why did God create?

Love.

God's love compelling Him to create and share a universe with finite beings - but more - to share in rich relationship with Father, Son and Holy Spirit.

And that invitation is still available -  Come in out of the chaos.  Come in out of the darkness.  Let's walk in the Garden together.  I created You for relationship with Me.

Great words for this season in which we often lose our heads let alone our souls.

Abide.  And bear fruit.