“…For he is the living God and he endures forever; his kingdom will not be destroyed, his dominion will never end.”
Daniel 6:26 (NIV)

The sycamore tree that grew in a gap in Hadrian’s Wall was, to use an overused word, iconic. It was probably one of the most photographed trees in the country. That is until a couple of people came one night with a chainsaw and felled it. That senseless act of vandalism caused a national outcry. But you can’t pick up a tree and glue it back together. 

It was gone – or was it? It is possible that the stump will start to regenerate and throw up shoots. But they will be hard to guard from anyone wishing to destroy them, or remove them for their own purposes. 

However after five months of silence, the news came out that some seeds and twigs had been gathered shortly after that destruction and that somewhere in a secret laboratory in Devon these hastily collected seeds have become seedlings and tiny shoots are regrowing from nine grafted plants which can be used if the stump doesn’t regrow. 

This laboratory may have to be kept well protected from prying eyes and thieving hands, but when it comes to the regrowth of the stump of Jesse – no worries there. It is secure. As Isaiah recorded: ‘The royal line of David will be cut off, chopped down like a tree; but from the stump will grow a Shoot—yes, a new Branch from the old root.’ (Isaiah 11:1 TLB).

And this Branch doesn’t have to be kept secret: “I, Jesus, have sent my angel to give you this testimony for the churches. I am the Root and the Offspring of David, and the bright Morning Star.” (Revelation 22:16 NIV) He is both the Root and the Branch of the stump. 

Although Jesus was felled by his enemies and crucified, death could not hold him. He was resurrected and lives now. And he’s not hidden in some secret place. He’s there for all of us.

Prayer
Saviour, death could not hold you. We celebrate your resurrection. We have joy in your endless life and we rejoice that in you we too have re-birth. Amen.