The Stump is still intact (Isaiah 11-12, James 5)

“There shall come forth a shoot from the stump of Jesse, and a branch from his roots shall bear fruit.” Isaiah 11:1

Israel and Judah were headed for trouble.  Trouble unlike they had ever seen before.  Isaiah has been clear that the trouble came as a result of her rebellion against God.  The cities and most of its cities would be either laid waste or carried off into captivity.

The tree of Judah was being cut down.  The fact was, “There seemed to be no hope.”  But contrary to reason, there was hope.  Where was the hope?  The stump was still intact.

Question:  “What does this mean?”  The Davidic dynasty had been chopped down except for the stump.  This stump is referring to the coming of Jesus (Matthew 1:1).

Think it through:

1.  We see Isaiah’s prediction of the Lord’s coming, 11:1-10

In the Lord’s first coming, Vs: 1-2 we see the work of our Glorious Lord in our salvation.

In the Lord’s second-coming, Vs: 3-10 we see the work in His great rewards when He comes.  He will reward both the righteous and the unrighteous at His coming.

2.  We see Isaiah’s praise for the Lord’s coming, 11:11-12:6

Israel had no hope in herself.  But praise be to God for hope was on the way.  Isaiah describes this hope as follows, “And there will be a highway from Assyria.”  This gives a picture of how the Lord makes a clear path for man to be able to enter into heaven (John 14:6).  Later in Isaiah he is even more descriptive, “And a highway shall be there, and it shall be called the way of holiness,” 35:8.

This God who promised to make a way, did make a way through Jesus.

Our response:

“Behold, God is my salvation; I will trust, and will not be afraid; for the Lord God is my strength and my song, and he has become my salvation.”  

You and I can stand on the stump (That stump is Jesus, Matt. 7:24-27).  You and I can grow into a strong and mighty tree for God (He is our strength, Phil. 4:13).  You and I can see branches shoot out from the stump (“make known His deeds among the people, proclaim that his name is exalted,” 12:4).  You and I can rest under the shade of His presence (“For great in your midst is the Holy One of Israel,” 12:6).