Dear Redeeming Grace,

Last week we considered how God accomplishes his purposes through His enduring faithfulness. The season of advent gives us ample opportunities to see examples of this in the coming of Christ.

One example comes from the book of Romans through Isaiah 11. In Isaiah 11, God reveals this: "There shall come forth a shoot from the stump of Jesse, and a branch from his roots shall bear fruit." (Is. 11:1 ESV) And we know Jesus is born from the line of Jesse as we read his lineage in Matthew 1.

Paul connects the dots in Romans 15 when he uses Isaiah's prophecy in direct connection with Jesus. Listen to God's purposes in Rom 15:

"For I tell you that Christ became a servant to the circumcised to show God's truthfulness, in order to confirm the promises given to the patriarchs, and in order that the Gentiles might glorify God for his mercy." (Romans 15:8-9a ESV)

And here's the connection:

"And again Isaiah says, "The root of Jesse will come, even he who arises to rule the Gentiles; in him will the Gentiles hope." (Rom 15:12 ESV)

God's purpose has always been that the Gentiles would glorify God for his mercy and hope in Him. And God's faithfulness is seen as He sends Jesus, the root of Jesse, to confirm his promises and fulfill his purposes.

What a joy to celebrate this advent season that our God fulfills every promise of his Word. He sent his Son that we might all find our ultimate hope in Him. And as we give thanks for our own salvation, we join the resounding praise of all those who give glory to God that He's been merciful in Christ. 

As the wonderful Christmas hymn says:

Hark! The herald angels sing
"Glory to the newborn king
Peace on earth and mercy mild
God and sinners reconciled"