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Dear Heavenly Father, Praise You are my mighty Deliverer! It was you who dried up the sea and made the waters of the great deep a pathway for your people to cross. It was you who stretched out the heavens and laid the foundations of the earth. I have no need to fear, for you are with me. I come with joyful shouting to Zion and look forward to everlasting joy in your presence (Isa 51:9–13). Hallelujah! Today in Your Word In the “Book of Comfort,” Isaiah revealed that you would redeem Israel from their future Babylonian captivity by using one of your servants, Cyrus the Great (Isa 40–48). In today’s reading, Isaiah revealed that you would redeem Israel from a far greater captivity—the bondage of sin. You would accomplish this deliverance by using another Servant, the Messiah. This Servant would not only take care of Israel’s sin problem, but also that of the whole world. How would this be accomplished? Through the suffering and death of the Messiah! He would have a humble beginning, and his appearance would not be stately or majestic. He would be despised and forsaken of men, a man of sorrows and acquainted with grief. He would remain obedient to you through persecution, and he would willingly allow himself to be killed by his enemies. He would die among wicked men even though he had never done violence to anyone. You were pleased to crush him for me, and when he gave his body as an offering for my sin, you were satisfied with his sacrifice. Yet your Servant would not remain in the grave—“He will see his offspring and prolong his days…After the suffering of his soul, he will see the light of life and be satisfied; by his knowledge my righteous servant will justify many, and he will bear their iniquities” (Isa 53:10–11 NIV). Therefore you will exalt him and give him a great reward, because he poured out his life unto death. He bore the sins of many, and made intercession for the transgressors. Praise the Lord! Glory to the Lamb of God! Reflection Jesus offered his back to those who beat him and his cheeks to those who plucked out his beard. He did not hide his face from mocking and spitting, but he set his face like flint. He did this because you helped him, and the same grace that enabled Christ to endure to the end is available for me! Request Father, I long to be your servant and to walk in the footsteps of my Savior, Jesus Christ. Help me to honor his life and magnify his ministry. May I live worthy of my high and holy calling. Thanksgiving Thank you for the gift of your suffering Servant and the life that he willingly poured out for my sin. I am forever indebted to your love and mercy! In Jesus’ name, Amen. Suggested Hymn: “Stricken, Smitten, and Afflicted” — Thomas Kelly. Meditation Verse: Isaiah 53:4. |