What Trees Can Teach Us About God and His KingdomНамуна

The Messiah is like a shoot from a tree stump

All through the Old Testament, people are hoping for the Messiah. He is the Redeemer God has promised to the first humans after their relationship with God was broken by sin. Little by little, God revealed more information about this coming Messiah. For example, that He would be born in the royal line of David, the son of Jesse.

However, this prophecy seemed not to come true! Although God had promised that David’s descendants would reign forever, about 600 BC the people of Israel were exiled as a judgment on their recurring sinful behavior. The majestic ‘tree’ of Israel was chopped down because they were unfaithful to the Lord, and their royal line seemed to be extinguished. Only a stump was left. How could that be? Had God forgotten about His promise? Was all hope lost?

No, Isaiah tells them. “There shall come forth a shoot from the stump of Jesse”. He won’t come as a majestic king at first, but grow up “like a root out of dry ground” (Isaiah 53:2 ESV). Initially, the Messiah will hardly be recognizable. Many will despise Him. But God will fulfill His promises in unexpected ways. The “shoot” will become a mighty tree, a King who reigns the universe in righteousness forever.

Do you believe that God will fulfill his promises, even when all hope seems lost?