September 28, 2027
An authentic picture of Jesus
_Read: Isaiah 53,54; Psalm 89; Galatians 4_
*Scripture:* Isaiah 53: 4 Surely he took up our pain and bore our suffering, yet we considered him punished by God, stricken by him, and afflicted. 5 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.
*Observation:* We live in the selfie era; people love to take many selfies and share them with others and on social media. However, only the images that please them or match their heart's desire will be shown/shared with others. In Isaiah 52:13-53:12, we read the fourth and final song of the suffering servant. Isaiah 53 gives us a portrait of Jesus, in which there is "no beauty or majesty to attract us to him, nothing in his appearance that we should desire him" (v.2). Yet, we Christians like this chapter so much and love to read it very often. However, Jews who refuse to accept Jesus as the Messiah do not read it. Jewish Rabbis would not encourage Jews to read Isaiah 53. What is unique in the description of the suffering servant?
Isaiah 53:4-6 is the crucial passage of the servant songs that says of the coming Messiah. Here, we read what the Messiah did for us and its results in our lives. Notice how many times the word "our" comes in the above two verses. Jesus the Messiah has borne all of "our pain," "our suffering," "our transgressions," and "our iniquities." He endured all of them to bring peace, forgiveness, and healing to our lives. Jesus takes our ugly and painful things and gives us his incredible love. It is hard to explain the pain of his sufferings and describe all the punishments he endured for us (Is.52:14). It was not accidental or coincidental. As the Bible says, it manifests God's great love for humanity (Jn.3:16). When we accept God's love and confess that Jesus gave himself to carry our pain and suffering, to receive the punishment for our sins and iniquities, we have peace with God and receive spiritual and physical healing. God forgives our sins and purifies us. Just reread Is.53:4-5 by putting your name in the place where the word "our" comes, and meditate on it.
*Application:* The greatest truth of the Bible is, as renowned theologian Karl Barth once said, "Jesus loves me this I know, for the Bible tells me so." I may not fully comprehend God's love for me. When I read this prophecy and its fulfillment in Jesus' life, I understand that God's love is true! All I can do is accept God's love and receive all that Jesus has for me. "What shall I return to the Lord for all his goodness to me?" (Ps.116:12).
*Prayer:* Father God, thank you for your love that surpasses knowledge. Jesus, thank you for your great and saving love. Holy Spirit, thank you for pouring God's love into my heart. Lord, help me to remain in your love forever. Amen.
✍️: Arputharaj Samuel
📕: Quiet Time Companion
🗓️ Day – 271