YOU ARE THE BRANCHES

BY PASTOR NATE RUCKER

“There shall come forth a Rod from the stem of Jesse,
And a Branch shall grow out of his roots.”
— Isaiah 11:1 (NKJV)

Has it ever occurred to you that you are a part of God’s game plan? His Kingdom is coming to the earth and we, as His messengers, are to prepare the way. In this scripture, Isaiah is telling his generation that Jesus the Messiah will come from the roots of Jesse. Just as Jesse’s son, David, was a mighty and powerful king, Jesus would also rule and reign.

Centuries later, when Jesus begins His ministry, He starts off by quoting this exact passage. To make His point clear, He tells those who are listening that He is the fulfillment of the prophecy (Luke 4:16 -21). It is the will of God for the knowledge of Him to branch out across the earth. And Jesus died once and for all so that His reach would be extended through those who believe and confess that He is Lord.

Concerning His death, Jesus says in John 12:24, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless a grain of wheat falls into the earth and dies, it remains alone; but if it dies, it bears much fruit.”

He goes on to say in John 15:5, “I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in Me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing.”

Challenge: Take the time to write out a Gospel presentation. Take a second to realize where you fit into the story.

Prayer: Dear God, who is man that You are mindful of him. For all that it is worth, be glorified in my life.