New life can come from seemingly dead things.
Isaiah prophesied that a “shoot” (Hebrew: choter, חֹטֵר; KJV: “rod”) would grow out of the “stump” (Hebrew: geza, גֶּזַע; KJV: “stem”) of Jesse. (See Isaiah 11:1; 2 Nephi 21:1; compare NIV, Isaiah 11:1.)
During Isaiah’s lifetime, the Davidic dynasty continued to rule in Jerusalem, but he foresaw its decline and eventual collapse. He called that fallen kingdom by the name of David’s father, Jesse, perhaps to emphasize its humble beginnings in Bethlehem.
The prophecy was fulfilled when Jesus was born. As a direct descendant of King David, He influenced the world more than any other king, even though he was not recognized as a ruler during His lifetime. (See Matthew 1:1-17; Luke 3:23-31; Matthew 2:1-2; John 18:36-37.)
Many centuries later, in 1820, another new beginning was needed. A young man named Joseph Smith was shocked by the severe conflict between Christian denominations. How could this vitriol be the legacy of the Prince of Peace? (See Joseph Smith—History 1:6.) When the angel Moroni visited him to lead him to the Book of Mormon, he quoted a number of biblical passages, including Isaiah 11, which he said “was about to be fulfilled” (Joseph Smith—History 1:40).
Fifteen years later, in answer to a group of questions about Isaiah, Joseph Smith identified the “stem of Jesse” as Christ. He identified the “rod” as:
A servant in the hands of Christ, who is partly a descendant of Jesse as well as of Ephraim, or of the house of Joseph, on whom there is laid much power.
Doctrine and Covenants 113:4
Jesus said, “I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing” (John 15:5). Joseph Smith acknowledged this principle as he affirmed that the servant described by Isaiah would draw power from Christ, growing as a living branch connected to the true vine.
And what about us? When big things end or fail in our lives, particularly things which have given us stability and strength, can we patiently watch for new life to emerge? As it begins to grow, can we watch and nourish it with patience and hope, believing that it will become “a tree springing up unto everlasting life” (Alma 32:41)?
Today, I will savor new beginnings. I will recognize that even as great things end, new life always emerges, drawing strength from solid roots which continue to provide nourishment and power. I will move forward with hope and optimism, believing in the rejuvenative power of new growth.
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