O Radix Jesse
O Root of Jesse, standing as an ensign before the peoples, before whom all kings are mute, to whom the nations will do homage:
Come quickly to deliver us.
Reading: Isaiah 11:1–12
Before Christ, all kings are mute. What’s there to say? What power does a king of this world possess before one who, in an instant, can destroy the earth with a mere word? Who can claim authority over the One who possesses all authority? No king has a word to speak before the Word Himself. And it’s a smart king who shuts up when God speaks, because only the meek and poor receive righteousness. Whoever realizes that we are nothing, and that Christ is everything: upon that person Christ’s own righteousness rests, and our prayer, “deliver us,” is answered.
Prayer: Heavenly Father, Your Son Jesus Christ is the king above all kings, and yet His crown was of thorns and His throne, a cross. Daily crucify us with Him, that our sinful selves might die and that our new selves might yet be raised to eternal life, receiving heavenly crowns of righteousness that never fade; through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.
Hymn LSB 525:5
Crown Him the Lord of heav’n,
Enthroned in worlds above,
Crown Him the king to whom is giv’n
The wondrous name of Love.
Crown Him with many crowns
As thrones before Him fall;
Crown Him, ye kings, with many crowns,
For He is king of all.
(Berett Steffen, Sem IV)
