Isaiah 11:1 – “There shall come forth a shoot from the stump of Jesse, and a branch from his roots shall bear fruit.”
There are few images in Scripture more striking than this one—a stump. A stump is what’s left when something once tall and thriving has been cut down. It’s a picture of loss, of finality, of something that used to be alive but is now lifeless. For Judah, that stump represented the fallen house of David. The mighty tree of Israel’s monarchy—once flourishing under David and Solomon—had been reduced to a remnant. The royal line looked finished. The promises of God seemed severed.
But then Isaiah says something unexpected: “There shall come forth a shoot from the stump of Jesse.” From what looked dead, new life would spring. From what seemed hopeless, hope would grow. The “shoot” is a prophecy of Christ—the promised King who would come from David’s line, humble and small at first, but destined to bear eternal fruit.
This verse reminds us that God’s purposes are never thwarted by what seems like failure or decline. When the world sees a stump, God sees the roots. When all we can see is what has been cut down, God is already preparing what will grow next.
Perhaps you feel like you’re living among stumps—dreams that didn’t work out, relationships that broke down, or spiritual vitality that has withered over time. But the message of Isaiah 11:1 is clear: God brings life out of what looks dead. His promises may lie hidden underground for a season, but they are never forgotten.
Jesus is the proof. From a forgotten family line in Bethlehem came the true King—the One who restores, redeems, and reigns forever.
So today, take heart. The stump is not the end of the story. With God, it’s the beginning of something new.
MBC's Bible Engagement Plan
MBC’s Bible Engagement Plan: Isaiah – From Ruin to Redemption
As a church community, our desire is to move from hearing God’s Word to living it out daily. This Bible Engagement Plan is designed to help us walk through Isaiah together in a weekly rhythm that deepens our understanding while also cultivating habits of daily reading and reflection.
- LISTEN TO THE SUNDAY SERMON
Each week begins with the Pastor’s Sunday sermon on a passage from Isaiah and includes
- Pastor’s Outline: A guide to follow along and take notes. We also suggest picking up the Isaiah scripture journal from the Welcome Center.
- Discussion Questions: Provided to encourage reflection and conversation in small groups, families, or personal study. If you are not already part of a small group, consider joining one this Fall: Click here to explore one of MBC’s small groups
- READ AND REFLECT ON THE WEEKLY PLAN
Monday through Saturday, follow the suggested reading plan outlined in the Saturday eNews Bulletin. As you read and reflect on your passage each day, ask these two guiding questions and jot down your thoughts in your Isaiah journal.
- What does this passage reveal about God—His character, His purposes, or His promises?
- How should I respond in light of what I’ve read—through trust, obedience, repentance, or worship?
- MEMORIZE THE WEEKLY KEY VERSE
Every week, one key verse from the sermon will be highlighted for memory. You are invited to use the free Bible Memory app and join the “Millington Baptist Church” Bible memorization group: Click here to join
- READ AND REFLECT ON THE PASTOR’S DEVOTIONAL BLOG
Each Wednesday, one of our pastors will share a devotional expanding on the sermon theme helping to connect Isaiah’s message to everyday life.
Why This Rhythm Matters
- Immersion: This plan helps you engage learning in multiple ways—hearing, reading, memorizing, and reflecting—so you gain a richer understanding of Isaiah’s message.
- Transformation in Community: Discussion questions and shared readings create space for us to learn together and nurture application of the biblical principles into our daily lives.
Questions or comments?
Contact Amy Huber, Director of Discipleship and Connections: ahuber@millingtonbaptist.org
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Pastor Bob Erbig and Pastor Dave Hentschel
