Isaiah 53:1-12 "Who hath believed our report ? and to whom is the arm of the LORD revealed ? For HE shall grow up before HIM as a tender plant, and as a root out of a dry ground: HE hath no form nor comeliness; and when we shall see HIM, there is no beauty that we should desire HIM. HE is despised and rejected of men; a MAN of sorrows, and acquainted with grief: and we hid as it were our faces from HIM; HE was despised, and we esteemed HIM not. Surely HE hath borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows: yet we did esteem HIM stricken, smitten of GOD, and afflicted. But HE was wounded for our transgressions, HE was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon HIM; and with HIS stripes we are healed. All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way; and the LORD hath laid on HIM the iniquity of us all.
HE was oppressed, and HE was afflicted, yet HE opened not HIS mouth: HE is brought as a LAMB to the slaughter, and as a sheep before her shearers is dumb, so HE openeth not HIS mouth. HE was taken from prison and from judgment; and who shall declare HIS generation ? for HE was cut off out of the land of the living: for the transgression of MY people was HE stricken. And HE made HIS grave with the wicked, and with the rich in HIS death; because HE had done no violence, neither was any deceit in HIS mouth. Yet it pleased the LORD to bruise HIM; HE hath put HIM to grief: when THOU shalt make HIS soul an offering for sin, HE shall see HIS seed, HE shall prolong HIS days, and the pleasure of the LORD shall prosper in HIS hand. HE shall see of the travail of HIS soul, and shall be satisfied; by HIS knowledge shall MY righteous SERVANT justify many; for HE shall bear their iniquities. Therefore will I divide HIM a portion with the great, and HE shall divide the spoil with the strong; because HE hath poured out HIS soul unto death: and HE was numbered with the transgressors; and HE bare the sin of many, and made intercession for the transgressors."
We are often grateful that our loving GOD did not reveal beforehand a devastating event in our life. HE mercifully keeps us from knowing what will occur in the next hour, day, month, or year. If we knew of a tragic end for a precious baby, a loved one, or even ourselves, each day could be overshadowed with despair. Even a possible terminal diagnosis can bring intense distress. Just as a wise parent may not tell his child about an upcoming difficulty, GOD at times spares us from what would be overwhelming to us and desires that we simply trust and enjoy HIM in every moment.
How poignant it is to think of our SAVIOR's omniscience. Certainly, one of the most humanly agonizing aspects of HIS earthly life was knowing:
HE understood the Old Testament Scriptures that applied to HIS sufferings and death.
HE "knew what was in man" in John 2:25 and 6:64
HE perceived Judas' approaching betrayal in Luke 22:21-22.
HE knew of Peter's coming denials in Luke 22:34
HE knew of the disciple's abandonment in Matthew 26:31
HE knew about the inevitable disgrace and agony of the cross in Matthew 16:21.
HE even had to live among the terrible sins that HE would later bear upon the cross. How our hearts faint as we try to comprehend what HE suffered because of HIS love for us and HIS devotion to the FATHER's will.
HE knew what was before HIM and could say, "For the things concerning ME have an end" in Luke 22:37
HE endured the cross and, realizing the joy that set before HIM, disregarded the shame in Hebrews 12:2 (pictured above).
May we follow in HIS steps as we trust GOD's will and sufficiency for us and, in "our light affliction" (2nd.Corinthains 4:17), bow in worship before our SAVIOR, knowing that HIS chosen path for us is perfect (Psalm 18:30). GWZ
Your servant in CHRIST,
Julie
Copyright, FEATURE: A Daily Bible Study Guide.
Used with permission. www.featoday.org
https://fivestarchristianministries.com/salvation
No comments:
Post a Comment