SCRIPTURE: Isaiah 48-53
“But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was on him, and by his wounds we are healed.” (Isaiah 53:5)
There are debates about whether Isaiah wrote this part of the book.
Whether it was written 500 or 700 years before Jesus.
Either way, this is a remarkable anticipation of the promised Messiah, suffering to restore God’s family.
As I was reading these chapters, I was struck by a number of pictures of Jesus.
“It is too small a thing for you to be my servant to restore the tribes of Jacob and bring back those of Israel I have kept. I will also make you a light for the Gentiles, that my salvation may reach to the ends of the earth.” (Isaiah 49:6)
According to Isaiah, God’s concern for ALL people leads Him to enter the world and absorb our crimes and guilt.
He takes our punishment for us, so that we can have peace.
He heals us by taking our sickness on Himself – the sickness of sin and death.
God fixes the mess that Adam (ie humanity) has made through a new Adam (human, messiah, Jesus).
And He doesn’t do it with an army, with force, with condemnation – but with humility, sacrifice and mercy.
This is why I am drawn to Jesus, the suffering Saviour, the God of grace not force.
Isaiah caught a glimpse of it, but we have seen it played out before our eyes in Jesus.
This is a God, and a Saviour, worth following.
What do you sense the Lord saying to you?
PRAYER
Lord, of all my pictures of God, You are the best. I see You with Your arms outstretched, suffering love looking at me and everyone, saying ‘Behold Your God!’
Jesus follower
trying to find His way
What greater victory is it that we are saved by His never ending grace that we merely do not deserve? So many times I feel God tugging at my own heart when I drive by people or walk by people I don’t know, my heart breaks. Although God would never give me more than I can handle and I must be thankful because I pray everyday to have a heart like Jesus and when I drive and walk by those who are hurting, I feel inclined to stop and help because that’s what Jesus would have done. Thank you Jesus for opening my eyes to the suffering around me, and for showing what amazing grace you have to set me and others free. Grace, like water, flows to the lowest part.”
? Philip Yancey
Observation/Application
Don’t be stubborn. Listen and hear the Word of the Lord. Open your ears and hear. Tune in. The Lord, He is God who directs and teaches you what is the best. Hear His voice and listen to the Lord and what He says. He is my Keeper. and feed me.
Our names are engraved on the palms of His hands. He will never forget. Will I?
Open my ears Lord that I hear Your voice each day anew. You indeed are my Helper each day anew, You are my Helper indeed. Lord God, your servant is listening to Your voice saying ‘Do this’.
Remember God’s faithfulness in days past? Look and see what mighty things He has done. He is the God of His people. He is my Defender. My God reigns. As He went and encompassed His people in days past my God will go before me also this day.
I am alive because He has taken my punishment. Because He died, I can live forever. Praise be to God.
Help me this day to live for Him. Open my eyes Lord. Open my ears Lord.
How lovely on the mountains are the feet of Him
Who brings good news, good news;
Announcing peace, proclaiming news of happiness:
Our God reigns, our God reigns!
Refrain
Our God reigns!
Our God reigns!
Our God reigns!
Our God reigns!
He had no stately form, He had no majesty
That we should be drawn to Him.
He was despised and we took no account of Him.
Our God reigns, our God reigns!
Refrain
It was our sin and guilt that bruised and wounded Him.
It was our sin that brought Him down.
When we like sheep had gone astray our Shepherd came
And on His shoulders bore our shame.
Refrain
Meek as a lamb that’s led out to the slaughterhouse,
Dumb as a sheep before its shearer,
His life ran down upon the ground like pouring rain
That we might be born again.
Refrain
Out from the tomb He came with grace and majesty;
He is alive, He is alive.
God loves us so, see here His hands, His feet, His side
Yes we know, He is alive.