As A Tender Plant In Dry Ground

“As A Tender Plant In Dry Ground”

“Who has believed our report? And, to whom is the arm of the Lord revealed?
For He shall grow up before Him as a tender plant and as a root out of a
dry ground. He has no form or comeliness—and when we see Him, there is no
beauty that we should desire Him.”
Isaiah 53:1-2
If you weren’t looking, you never would have noticed Him.
It’s interesting that Isaiah began this powerful Messianic prophecy by
asking “Who has believed our report? And, to whom is the arm of the Lord
revealed?” Yet, he knew like many preachers, Bible teachers and witnesses
today, that the majority of folks won’t believe our report or could care
less if God spoke to them or not.

Some of them sit in church pews every Sunday morning. Like the
recipients of the epistle to the Hebrews, their eyes are glazed over and
their ears “dull of hearing,” regardless of how “precious the pearls” of
God’s Word are that are laid before them (Heb. 5:11). They’re more into the
latest score in the ballgame. . .or latest, labeled fashion attire. . .or
the hottest stocks on Wall Street. . .or the fastest car at Indy.

But, let some snaggle-toothed, homeless-looking individual with bad
breath and b.o. walk into the sanctuary, tracking in mud on their plush
carpet, and they’re quick to sit up and whisper, “What’s he doing here?!?”
And, in some places, the ushers might even escort him out—IF he was ever let
in to begin with.

Jesus certainly didn’t fit the “mold of Messianic expectations” held by
the majority of His countrymen. They were more in tune with the commanding
general-type, sitting atop a prancing, frothing-at-the-mouth, white
stallion. . .with his sharp sword held high above his head. . .his
breastplate glistening in the sunshine. . .and his chiseled jaw jutting out
in a defiant and determined way.

Yet, such was not to be with this One sent from God.
Nope, He’d come into this world as a “tender plant” (a baby). He’d
grow up “as a root out of a dry ground” (Nazareth or the spiritual
conditions that existed after 400 years with no prophet or fresh word from
the Lord).

And, He’d certainly be lacking in the Hollywood-handsome category. You
know the kind: Tall. . .muscular and macho. . .that confident, “I’m better
than you are—don’t you know I’m somebody?!?” attitude that dares someone to
cross Him, etc.

Such was not the case with Jesus.
He was a pretty average-looking Joe of average height. No heads would
turn when He entered the room and no one would go out of their way to help
Him; but, they would be quick to condemn Him when He crossed them, treating
Him more like a despised, despicable, dime-a-dozen slave than they would
someone with royal blood in His veins. The same is true today: Only those
who are listening will hear His voice. And, only those who are seeking will
see Him. Are you one of them?