Out of a Stump


If you drive the Loop Road in Cades Cove you will recognize this stump. I've wanted to stop and photograph it many times, so I finally did. In the summer these vines are alive with green leaves. Out of this old stump comes new life -- in fact, a completely different plant.

The Bible speaks of Jesus coming from the stump of Jesse, who was King David's father. This is an important prophetic statement that heralds a coming King on whom the Spirit of God rests.

A shoot will come up from the stump of Jesse;
from his roots a Branch will bear fruit.
The Spirit of the Lord will rest on him—
the Spirit of wisdom and of understanding,
the Spirit of counsel and of might,
the Spirit of the knowledge and fear of the Lord—
and he will delight in the fear of the Lord.
(Isaiah 11:1-3)

The Bible also speaks of Jesus being the Vine and we the branches. He sustains us and gives us life. It is through Him that we bear fruit of good in this world. 

“I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing." (John 15:5)

Look around and God will reveal Himself and His truth in some of the most unlikely places. 

Open my eyes that I may see wonderful things... (Psalm 119:18) 

Cades Cove
Great Smoky Mountains

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