"Then a shoot will grow from the stump of Jesse, and a branch from his roots will bear fruit." (Isaiah 11:1) What is this? This is mercy. Yes, the stump of Jesse is the proof of our own failure. But there is mercy even here, especially here. God delights to bring hope from hopeless situations, to bring life where no one thought it could possibly happen. Mercy is the outpouring of God’s abundant love on people who haven’t done anything to deserve it. Mercy is a shoot growing from the stump of Jesse. Mercy is waiting for you and me.