Isaiah 52:13-57:21
No prophecy in the Old Testament is as clear as Isaiah 53, when it comes to
what the Promised Messiah would do when He came. Only Isaiah was given this
special insight, and, as a result, scholars have labeled his book, particularly
this chapter, “The Fifth Gospel.” The prophet painted a picture of a suffering
servant who would one day die so that men may live.
The promise of the Messiah had been handed down for generations, since
the fall of man; but, while people knew why He would come — to rescue them from
sin —
they didn’t know how He would come, much less how He would accomplish such a task.
That’s why Isaiah’s graphic depiction of a humble servant beaten, bruised, and
bleeding would have been such an alarming picture to imagine.
As gruesome and grisly as this portrait is — that of being “wounded,
crushed, beaten, whipped, and slaughtered like a sheep” — it was altogether
necessary, for the punishment had to fit the crime. To bear the
punishment for the sins of mankind (for He had no sins of His own), He would
have to be broken. He would have to bleed; but, by taking upon Himself the
wrath of God for the crimes of humanity, our Savior transferred to us His
righteousness. How, then, can we neglect “so great a salvation” as this?
This act of love is evidence that man did not write the Scriptures. He
would never think to redeem himself this way; rather he would somehow earn his
salvation. God’s way is unimaginable, unthinkable, and marvelous. We should not
be surprised, though, as He says, “My thoughts are completely different from
yours, and my ways are far beyond anything you could imagine” (55:8, 9). What a
wonderful gift He has given us — freedom from the penalty of sin because of the
suffering of His Son.
It is easy sometimes, at least for me, when I read of God’s great love
for His people Israel, to become a little jealous. He has given so much of
Himself for their benefit; even when they despised Him, He still loved them
deeply. But, then, I read these words, “My blessings are for Gentiles too, when they commit
themselves to the Lord. Do not let them think that I consider them to be
second-class citizens... They are as much mine as anyone else... I will bring them
to My holy mountain and I will fill them with joy... For the Sovereign Lord,
who brings back the outcasts of Israel, says, ‘I will bring others too, besides
my people Israel’” (56:3, 6, 8). God’s love, His mercy and salvation are for all people, including me,
including you. That is good news!
Daily Reflection
Have you considered lately what it cost the Lord Jesus Christ to save
you from your sins, what He had to pay to redeem you from slavery and death?
“He was wounded and crushed for your sins. He was beaten that you might have
peace” with God. “He was whipped so that you might be healed.”
Take time to thank the Lord for sending His Lamb to be slaughtered in
your place, for there is no greater love than this!
BiAY.org |Day 207 — 158 Days to Go
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