Dead Sucker

Here is an American Elm tree that is overshadowed by an oak in the background. The sucker that took off from the base died and is about to fall because it has rotted long ago. Many times a branch will die because it is not getting enough light.

When a branch needs to be supplied by the rest of the tree to survive the tree will just let it die. Each branch needs to produce enough for its substance  and give some to the rest of the tree as well.

Christians are asked to produce fruit in John 15. If after a reasonable time the branch does not produce fruit they are cut off and thrown into the fire.

Let us not be dead wood, but fruitful for the kingdom of God.

John 15:2
Every branch in me that beareth not fruit he taketh away: and every branch that beareth fruit, he purgeth it, that it may bring forth more fruit.

John 15:6
If a man abide not in me, he is cast forth as a branch, and is withered; and men gather them, and cast them into the fire, and they are burned.