Foundations Week 23, Day 3

Scripture Read: Isaiah 52 - 53
Title: The Suffering Servant
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H.E.A.R. 
(H) Highlight verse:  "Behold, my servant shall act wisely; he shall be high and lifted up, and shall be exalted." Isaiah 52:13
 
(E) Explain: These passages are part of a messianic prophecy that has been titled "The Servant Song" and it is also known as the suffering servant passage.  These chapters are probably one of the most well-known messianic prophecies in the Old Testament.  When it is read it is almost eery as to how accurate this prophecy is in regards to Jesus Christ and His death on the cross.  We are privy to information that we don't have in the New Testament such as Jesus' appearance, "he had no form of majesty that we should look at him, and no beauty that we should desire him."  This tells us he was an average man.  He had no distinct qualities, just an ordinary average person.  We also read the graphic and brutal details of Jesus' death on the cross, "his appearance was so marred, beyond human semblance."   There are also specific points like being despised and rejected by humanity; bearing our griefs and carried our sorrows; being wounded for our sins.  He was oppressed and afflicted; He did not open his mouth to speak; His pain and suffering was for our healing;  and in all this, it was the LORD's will. 

(A) Application:  I find it hard to fathom that one could read these chapters and not see the great love that Jesus has for you.  This prophecy of Jesus on the cross of Calvary was spoken many centuries before it occured and it gives great detail as to what our Lord and Savior went through, so we could have abundant life now and forevermore.  I would encourage you to read these chapters again, and as hard as it may be, visualize in your mind what Jesus went through to bring life, redemption and salvation to the world.  This brutal and graphic display of love was God's plan from the beginning of time. It was not so because God was angry and He took delight in it, He allowed it because it was necessary for salvation and the redemption of humanity. ​

(R) Respond: Jesus you gave everything for me, so may I give my all for you in life.  Thank you for willingly going to the cross of Calvary so that you could redeem that which was lost and make things right once again.