The Tree

Great meditation from Eugene Peterson…mc

The Tree

 

There shall come forth a shoot from the stump of Jesse, and a branch shall grow out of his roots. Isaiah 1:1

 

Jesse’s roots, composted with carcasses

Of dove and lamb, parchments of ox and goat,

Centuries of dried up prayers and bloody

Sacrifice, now bear me gospel fruit.

 

David’s branch, fed on kosher soil

Blossoms a messianic flower, and then

Ripens into a kingdom crop, conserving

The fragrance and warmth of spring for winter use.

 

Holy Spirit, shake our family tree,

Release your ripened fruit to our outstretched arms.

 

I’d like to see my children sink their teeth

Into promised land pomegranates

 

And Canaan grapes, bushel gifts of God,

While I skip a grace rope to a Christ tune.

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