Weekend, January 2, 2021
Sprouting Again
“For there is hope for a tree, if it is cut down, that it will sprout again, and that its tender shoots will not cease” (Job 14:7 nkjv).
In every good story there’s conflict, which makes it interesting. There’s the good guy and the adversary. There’s the conflict. Then the good guy overcomes the conflict and prevails in the end. We like stories with those elements.
During His earthly life, Jesus was in the middle of a story, and He knew how it would end. He knew the resurrection ultimately would come. Then the ascension would come followed by the salvation of all of those who put their faith in Him.
Despite how awful it was in the middle of His story, Jesus knew the greatest good would come from the worst thing imaginable.
The death and resurrection of Jesus brought eternal life to us. Jesus was cut down, and through His death we have life.
Jesus said, “I am the true vine, and My Father is the vinedresser. Every branch in Me that does not bear fruit He takes away; and every branch that bears fruit He prunes, that it may bear more fruit” (John 15:1–2 nkjv).
The process of pruning is cutting back so there will be new growth. It’s important.
In the same way, when we’re bearing spiritual fruit as followers of Jesus Christ, God might do some pruning in our lives so we’ll bear more fruit.
The Bible says, “For there is hope for a tree, if it is cut down, that it will sprout again, and that its tender shoots will not cease” (Job 14:7 nkjv). That branch, so to speak, even though it’s cut down, even though it seems like it will never grow, will sprout again.
The Laurie surname has the family motto Repullulat, which means “it buds afresh.” But it’s not just my family motto. It can be your family motto too because it’s true of any follower of Jesus Christ.
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Grief is one of life’s most difficult challenges. Pastor Greg Laurie experienced this truth when his son Christopher passed away suddenly. Discover comfort and healing in times of pain as you read his book Hope for Hurting Hearts. Receive your copy as our gift for your donation of any amount to Harvest Ministries this month.
