The Advent Of Jesus Means The Advent Of Eden

But it’s not easy displaying this Christian fruit in an unchristian world is it? That’s why our text this morning is so good for us to hear. The world as we know it won’t last forever. Jesus’ advent means the advent of Eden. Jesus will return and he will reverse the effects of sin. Things will go back to the way they were meant to be. In Eden where Adam and Eve first lived, the lion did hang out with the lamb, and bears and cows did play together. Although that kind of perfect harmony isn’t here yet, God does invite us to practice that kind of harmony with one another. You may feel more like a wolf than a lamb some days, but with Jesus’ forgiveness and the gift of the Holy Spirit, you can be gentle with others. You may be more of a jack rabbit than a tortoise, but with God-give patience you can move at the pace others need you to move. This is all possible because a shoot has grown up out of the stump of Jesse just as God said it would. And in time this Jesus will return and with him will an eternal life of perfect peace and harmony. Make sure you will be among those enjoying that life by standing firm in Jesus and his forgiveness. Amen.

SERMON NOTES

In what way is Jesus like an ambulance? A Disney-resort shuttle bus?

List at least three things that were bad about the people during the time of Isaiah.

What would God do as a result of Israel’s sin?

King David’s royal line would be cut down to a stump. Nevertheless, God would not abandon his people. What hope did Isaiah give?

Isaiah said that the Holy Spirit would descend on Jesus. Why would Jesus need the Holy Spirit?

Isaiah prophesied how things will return to the way they were in Eden: there will be perfect peace. How is that prophecy already being fulfilled among God’s people?