Budding from the Dead Stump

Read Job 14

Read 2 Samuel 14

Job wonders out loud if there is any hope for man. After a man dies, will he rise again (v. 14)? Eventually Job will come to a conclusion, and even if he has that hope and confidence already, still in the midst of grief he finds expression for his pain and agony.

A tree has hope, he says. Cut down a tree and the stump will die in the ground. But even from that dead stump, at the first scent of water (a beautiful expression, isn't it?) the stump will bud. It is a resurrection of sorts for the tree. Life from death. What was killed springs forth again. (v. 7-9).

But after death, will a man rise again? The answer is in the tree. No, not the literal tree, but in the Righteous Branch, the Shoot from the stump of Jesse.

The Royal like of David had all been cut off in years of judgment, destruction, war, and exile. The kingdom had fallen, and even when it was rebuilt it was only a fraction of its former glory. But God's promise to David remained, and from the dead stump of Jesse, from the dry root of David, the Christ was born.

He is the Righteous Branch that has come to bear the fruit of salvation. He is the living tree into which God's people are grafted. In him, branches and vines find their source of life and strength. Connected to Jesus, God's people are nourished and energized to produce fruit. In Christ we have life, even everlasting life!

So, in the midst of grief Job poses the question to us: after a man dies, will he rise? We look to the Risen One and answer that yes! - we too will rise! There is hope no matter what life brings. there is hope and a future even in the face of death.

Alleluia! Christ is risen.
He is risen indeed. Alleluia!

Pray:

O Lord, Jesus Christ, the shoot from the stump of Jesse, and the root from the dry ground of David, we give you thanks and praise that in you we see life burst forth from death. We know that through baptism we are joined with you in your resurrection so that we too may walk in newness of life. Grant that we would always show forth the fruits of faith as we trust in you, walk in your ways, and show mercy upon our fellow man. Keep us safe until at last we join with you in the paradise of heaven. Amen.

Study with me tomorrow,

Pastor Jon

Soli Deo Gloria!