“A shoot will come up from the stump of Jesse; from his roots a Branch will bear fruit.”
Isaiah 11:1
I would like to end this year’s Abundant Living series (be back January 6) by encouraging you to remember that you are a child of God and that your life matters more than you ever imagined. I’m reminded of Steve Lund, one of our son’s high school teachers. Though quite ordinary in the eyes of the world, Steve Lund nonetheless inspired a young man who at the time may have otherwise appeared bored and disinterested in school. But fast forward twenty plus years and you will find that same young man, our son, following in the footsteps of his beloved teacher and mentor “Mr. Lund” in the classroom. And who knows what young eyes may be observing him, being influenced and inspired by his own teaching style. You see, Steve Lund’s life matters more than he ever imagined; for from his roots a branch bears fruit.
Who is Jesse? He is hardly a high profile character in scripture. About all we know is that he lived in Bethlehem, raised sheep and had a large family. Scripture does suggest that he may have been fairly prosperous, a prominent citizen, faithful Jew, and a man of good character; otherwise, he was really quite ordinary. Yet from among his brood of children his youngest son, David, would rise up to become Israel’s most famous king; and furthermore Jesse is mentioned in the genealogy of Jesus the Messiah, the only begotten Son of God whose birth we celebrate in this season. From Jesse’s roots a Branch bears much fruit.
Steve Lund had no idea what young eyes were observing his every move, being inspired to one day walk in his footsteps, but his life mattered more than he ever imagined. Jesse lived a rather ordinary life having no idea that he was influencing the course of history, preparing his shepherd son to become Israel’s greatest king, and most importantly from his line would come the King of Kings. His life mattered more than he ever imagined. What young eyes are watching you? How might your life be influencing the next generation or the course of history? More than you ever imagined. Indeed your life matters, too. Young eyes are depending on you, so is the world – and so is God!