And again, Esaias saith, There shall be a root of Jesse, and he that shall rise to reign over the Gentiles; in him shall the Gentiles trust. — Romans 15:12

When Jesus came, he did come to the country of Israel, just as God’s people had been promised. He was a true son of Jesse, who was the father of King David. His birth was foretold by Jewish prophets and written down in the Hebrew Bible. But Jesus came for everyone, no matter how Jewish he was. This was because the Old Testament said that God would save all nations through Israel and the Jewish Messiah. As a great warrior and king, David gave Israel a lot of power and fame. Jesus, on the other hand, brought the reign of grace into the hearts of millions of Jews and people who were not Jewish.

 

Thought

When Jesus came, he did come to the country of Israel, just as God’s people had been promised. He was a true son of Jesse, who was the father of King David. His birth was foretold by Jewish prophets and written down in the Hebrew Bible. But Jesus came for everyone, no matter how Jewish he was. This was because the Old Testament said that God would save all nations through Israel and the Jewish Messiah. As a great warrior and king, David gave Israel a lot of power and fame. Jesus, on the other hand, brought the reign of grace into the hearts of millions of Jews and people who were not Jewish.

 

Prayer

Father, as this year comes to an end and people’s feelings about race and religion are stirred up all over the world, please bless us with peace. Give us a strong sense of how much you love and are with us. Take care of us with your grace. At the same time, stir up in our hearts your desire to bring peace to all people through Jesus’ salvation. Please bless your children all over the world who share your message of love with people from different cultures. They are away from their families, so please pray for them. Most of all, bless them with the joy of their desire, and use them this holiday season to bring someone to salvation. In Jesus’ precious name I pray. Amen.