I am bringing forth My Servant the branch.
Jesus is the Branch, an Old Testament title given to the Messiah. The name comes from the Hebrew word tsemach, which refers to a green shoot or a new sprout growing out of an old stump. When Nebuchadnezzar “chopped” down the kingdom of Israel in 587 B.C., the stump of the tree died—the kingdom ceased—but the roots did not die. The kingdom was renewed when Jesus was born King of the Jews (Matthew 2:2). Jesus is the Branch—the new sprout from Jewish roots—demonstrating that God’s kingdom will live again. When a fire devastates a forest, it looks like the end of beautiful, green woods. But wait! Look below the charred stumps to see life in the roots. Just as a burned area can become green again, so a new “branch” can spring from your blackened past. Jesus, the Branch, can give new opportunities to your life.
I come to You, Branch; sprout new life in me. Give me another new opportunity to serve You today.
Jesus is “the Man whose name is the Branch” (Zechariah 6:12), so He can identify with your needs. He is the righteous Branch (Jeremiah 23:5) to help you do things right. Just as “the Branch of the LORD shall be beautiful” (Isaiah 4:2), so Jesus can make your life beautiful. And Jesus is the “Servant the Branch” (Zechariah 3:8) to serve you. Let Jesus, the Branch, bring new opportunities into your life.
Lord, give me new opportunities to live for You, and give me a new attitude towards life. Come grow new life in me. Amen.
Jesus offers another new beginning.
