A Righteous Branch

The people of Israel looked hopeless when the exile came, and Israel compared their state to a stump, a tree once full of life that was cut down. However, a branch was promised that would rise again from the lineage of Jesse who would restore the fate of His people. This branch, Jesus, had to be "cut down" so he could sprout once again and became life for all who believe. Even today when the state of things might be dire, we are reminded that God works through death and dire situations to bring life, so long as that life is centered around Jesus.