The Promise

“A shoot will come up from the stump of Jesse, from his roots a Branch will bear fruit.” Isaiah 11:1

By the time Isaiah speaks this promise, things look hopeless. The line of David looks finished, cut down, nothing left but a stump. Israel has failed, its leaders have failed, and judgment is coming. From a human perspective, there is nothing left to work with. But God has never been limited by what we see.

Isaiah tells us that from this stump a shoot will grow. Life comes from what looks dead. Not through power or prestige, but through God’s promise. Jesus does not arrive the way we expect. He comes humbly, born into a broken world, to restore what sin destroyed.

This Messiah is unlike every ruler before Him. “The Spirit of the Lord shall rest upon Him” (v.2). He is not guided by appearance or opinion. He rules with wisdom, righteousness, and faithfulness. Where the law showed us our sin and our need, Christ fulfills what we never could. He does not simply tell us what is right, He lives it perfectly.

Isaiah then gives us a picture of peace that sounds crazy. The wolf dwelling with the lamb and a child leading them is a portrait of complete restoration. Sin did not only separate us from God, it cursed creation itself. In Christ, God promises to make all things new. What was broken in Genesis chapter 3 is being healed through Jesus.

Verse 10 reminds us that this hope is for everyone. The Root of Jesse stands as a banner for the nations. Just as God called Adam out of hiding and used the law to reveal our need, He now calls us to Himself through Christ.

We still live in a fallen world, but our hope is secure. The Branch has come. The promise has been fulfilled. And one day, His peace will reign fully.

All His promises are yes and amen!

Heavenly Father, thank You for bringing life where there was none. Thank You for Jesus, our righteous King and our peace. Help us to trust Your promises and rest in Your restoration. In Jesus’ precious and holy name we pray, Amen.