December 3:
B.C. verse: Isaiah 11: 1-10
A.D. verse: Ephesians 6: 10-18
Christmas hymn: “O Come, O Come Immanuel”
Hymn for today: “Build Your Kingdom Here” by Rend Collective Experiment
Yesterday, my uncle passed away. Steven was my mom’s only brother, and
he was the uncle with whom I spent the most time when I was growing up. He was
only 60 years old, so yes, I (we) was not prepared to say goodbye so soon.
When I think of my uncle, Brut cologne and Dentyne gum both come to
mind. As a kid, I recall that Brut was
his preferred brand of “boy juice;” every time I smell it, I instantly think of
him. Likewise, Uncle Steven always had a pack of Dentyne on him, and when I was
little, I always made sure to bum a piece off him. One of my earliest memories
is of Steven, lying on the floor, watching Willie
Wonka and the Chocolate Factory and Wizard
of Oz (the movie everybody else hated) with me at Grandpa and Grandma’s
house. Later in life, this same uncle was sprawled out on the floor playing
cars and/or tractors with Nick, and later still, with his own grandchildren.
As I read today’s verses, I learn that new life emerged from that which
was dead in the form of the promised Counselor. “Out of the stump of David’s
family will grow a shoot, yes, a new branch bearing fruit from the old root”
(Isaiah 11:1). Likewise, this new life came equipped with a spirit of wisdom,
understanding, counsel, might, knowledge, and a fear of the Lord. This is His “armor”; thus, “One breath from
His mouth will destroy the wicked” (v. 4) In short, these characteristics are
representative of the Counselor. They
are what He is known for, just as gentleness, patience, and kindness are all
qualities I think of when Steven comes to mind.
The armor of the promised one in Isaiah is the legacy for believers
today as we are called to “put on the full armor of God, that you may be able
to stand firm against the schemes of the devil” (Ephesians 6:11). Being rooted
in Truth, faith, and the promise of salvation, striving for righteousness and
peace, and the relying on the Word of God are characteristics of warriors for
Christ.
Even though their last breaths have come and gone, the dead continue to
live. Our memories keep them with each of us, and when we share those memories,
our stories keep them in the world even though they are no longer here
physically. What we remember and share about the person becomes his/her legacy.
Additionally, grief and sentimentality may sometimes color the memories to the
point that we remember only the good and not the bad. Either way, whatever
remains - the message that we who remain share- is truly what remains.
Given all that, I can honestly say that my Uncle Steven was always
attentive, tender, and respectful to me and my family. Even though he is no
longer here, I remember him and his qualities with fondness. The Counselor,
too, has left his legacy. In essence, our lives are meant to “bear fruit from
the old root” (Isaiah 11:1). We can only do that if we “pray in the Spirit at
all times and on every occasion.” We must “stay alert and be persistent in our
prayers” (v. 18). If we do, the legacy will continue, and the shoot described
in Isaiah will continue to become a strong, thriving limb.
Daily Challenge: Bring someone a treat today.
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