Isaiah 53:2 He grew up before Him like a young plant and like a root out of dry ground.
Since this is the week of celebrating the coming of Jesus, this scripture and lesson from Henry Blackaby was so perfect in timing. He referenced Isaiah 53:2 pointing out that the parched ground offers little hope for survival, it is dry and too hardened to allow most plants to penetrate its crust. Yet Isaiah prophesied Jesus’ coming as a tender plant that would break through the hostile soil and overcome the dry and lifeless environment in order to bring life.
His words transported me straight back to the West Texas cotton farm on which I grew up. I could picture my dad on the tractor (old style, no cab, AC or radio, thank you) in the spring after a hard winter of snow alternating with piercing sun which baked the ground into hardened crust.
He would hitch up a heavy duty cultivating implement, a disc plow, to break up and turn over the hardened ground. The plows brought up big clods and the discs broke them up into smaller pieces. It would require multiple passes, particularly in dry periods. Yet with alternating rain (which we faithfully prayed for at the appropriate times) it all would get to the point where seed could be put in the ground. More prayer for rain at the right times. And the sun hardened the ground again. And my dad would daily scratch through the drying ground checking on the tender shoots that were forming underneath.
You bet there was rejoicing when those tender plants appeared in rows. Then more prayer for rain – but not “gullywashing” rain, just the right amount, especially after days of baking sunshine. So when scripture talks about the young plant (the NIV calls it a “tender shoot”) coming up out of “dry ground” – I get it!!
What was the point of Isaiah’s mention of “root out of dry ground”? Evidently, Jesus was born into a world filled with spiritual barrenness. It is a contrast between Christ (the tender shoot) and a society that was devoid of hope.
Blackaby described the people as being hardened to God’s Word. He points out that there is no written record of God’s having spoken to His people for 400 years. Even though the religious leaders of Jesus’ day had studied and memorized Scriptures, the words were “lifeless to them”. So hostile had they become to the truth that when God’s Son came to them, “they killed Him” as Blackaby points out.
Yet, Jesus brought life to all who believed in Him. I love Blackaby’s words that even “the most calloused sinner will discover that Jesus knows how to penetrate the heart and bring life where there was only bitterness.”
Another source pointed out an important view – the importance of humility. Jesus exemplifies true greatness through His willingness to humbly serve others. We are taught by Him to value traits such as kindness, compassion, and service over tradition or outward appearances. Jesus exemplifies true greatness through His willingness to humbly serve others. We are challenged to reshape our definitions of success and beauty – to seek to serve like Christ. And to foster deeper relationships with those around us.
I love another point made by this scripture. We are challenged to look beyond the surface to seek the true worth of others. Every individual has great potential, regardless of their background or circumstances. I remember how small and fragile those first tender shoots of cotton coming up looked – a slender stem and just two little leaves branching on each side, not more than an inch in height surrounded by hardened crusty dirt. Lonely and fragile. I wondered how it could survive. Yet by late August it would be a tall plant with tons of branches and leaves bushing out while boasting several colorful blossoms that would soon become cotton bolls bursting open. What a sight.
As one commentary put it, Isaiah 53:2 offers us a glimpse into the humble beginnings of our Savior, teaching us invaluable lessons about beauty, humility and God’s divine purpose. It can help us remember that our worth is not determined by external appearances or circumstantial success but by our relationships with God and others. Great summary – may we live in a manner that reflects the love of Christ, fulfill our roles as humble servants, and cultivate a community that values each person’s innate worth.
Blackaby suggested that if we were praying for someone we care about who seems not be accepting of Jesus, we are not to be discouraged – just as a tender plant finds a way to grow in a hard and unreceptive environment, so the love of Jesus has the ability to emerge in a life that seems completely unresponsive. Rejoice – Jesus is capable of bringing life to any person, society or culture no matter how hardened or hostile they have become to the gospel.
Isn’t that the best message possible in this Christmas season?
