Today’s Reading:
Isaiah 53:3-9 (1, 6-7)
“All of us like sheep have gone astray, We have turned each one to his way; But the Lord has caused the wickedness of us all [our sin, our injustice, our wrongdoing] To fall on Him [instead of us]. 7)He was oppressed, and He was afflicted, Yet He did not open His mouth [to complain or defend Himself]; Like a lamb that is led to the slaughter, And like a sheep that is silent before her shearers. So, He did not open His mouth. (vv. 6-7)
“Who has believed [confidently trusted in, relied on, and adhered to] our message [of salvation] …?” (v.1). The Servant’s humble beginning made His exaltation difficult to believe. Who would believe that God would choose to save the world through a humble, suffering servant rather than a glorious kind? This is contrary to human pride and worldly systems. But God works in mysterious ways, His wonders to perform. Despite these and other prophecies, only a few would recognise the Servant when He appeared. He had no outward splendour to attract anyone to himself. No wonder, Israel did not appreciate Him at His first coming (Jn. 1:9-11; 12:38). Paul in Romans 10:16, made mention of the prophecy. . … “the arm of the Lord”. At His first coming Israel did not recognize the mighty, incarnate power of God in Jesus, their Deliverer. The Messiah’s strength is in His humility, suffering, mercy, and love.
The Servant did not protest and was utterly submissive to those who oppressed Him. He fulfilled the statement that: “He was led like a lamb to the slaughter. He assumed the role of a sacrificial lamb.” (Ex. 12:3; Jn. 1:29). He did not let the fact that He was despised and rejected bother His assignment (v. 3). He must have felt the intense pain, just as any of us would when rejected, but He did not let it prevent Him from carrying out His purpose and He did not complain. How do you handle rejection? The Servant bore the sins of the world – past, present and future. He made the complete payment for the sins of all mankind, who have gone astray and who have turned to their ways. He redeemed us all. The Good Shepherd became a lamb for us all (Jn 10:11). Because no other lamb was qualified, others were spotted and blemished. The Scripture stated that He knew no sin, had no sin, and did no sin. The Lamb of God took our peace.
We all like sheep have strayed away, We have left God’s paths to follow our own. We are selfish, stubborn, and by nature, very proud. Paul in Romans 3:23 said, “Everyone has sinned, we all fall short of God’s glorious standard.” We try to characterise our lives in our way, and so are glowing a godless trail. But the Servant has sufficiently bore the consequences of our sin and the righteous wrath our sin deserved on His shoulder. God laid our sins on Him as if He was the one who sinned. Who would ever believe that He was perfectly innocent of any sin? God did this so that by wrath being spent, and justice satisfied, God could then substitute the account of sinners who believe, baptised and are saved for the righteousness of Christ, treating them as if they did the righteous acts of Christ (2 Col 5:21). Jesus said concerning those who believed, and are baptised that these signs shall follow those who believe … (Mk 16:15-18).
Now lessons to learn from the narrative of the suffering Servant:
Silence is golden, it is wisdom. It does not necessarily make one a coward.
The Messiah’s strength is in his humility, endurance, love and mercy. We need more prayer of mercy and love from God.
In all His ordeal, Jesus increased his prayer time with His Father, He was closer.
Having the hindsight to read, imagine, and know the identity of the promised Messiah who has come and died for the sins of mankind; and continue to reject Him, then our sin is greater than the ancient Israelites.
It is during challenges that we should be closer to God than ever.
During unpleasant situations, we should focus more on Jesus, than grumbling, and complaining which are distractions of the enemy.
What is hindering you from genuinely surrendering your life to Jesus, the suffering Servant? (Jn. 10:11-16). Are you still wondering like a lost sheep? Or do you belong to this society or that? It is not your attendants at church activities, the work you do, or single-handedly footing bills for projects in the church. It is your genuine close relationship with Jesus Christ. Give your life to Christ now, tomorrow may be too late.
OLUFUNMILAYO TITILOLA ADEKUSIBE
To surrender your life to Christ, say this prayer aloud: Father, thank you for Jesus Christ. Forgive my sins, take control of my heart and lead me in your righteous path by the power of Your Holy Spirit. Thank You, Lord. If you said the prayer, Congratulations! Prayerfully look for a living church and report to the resident reverend, pastor or priest.
Prayer:
Thank You, Lord, for bearing my griefs and sicknesses, for carrying my sorrows and pains, for being wounded for my transgressions.
Thank You for taking the punishment required for my well-being. I declare today that by Your stripes, I am healed, in Jesus' name.
Lord create in me a pure heart, renew a right, teachable and humble spirit within me in Jesus' name.
Holy Spirit fill me with your skilful and godly wisdom, Your knowledge, Your understanding; give me Your enablement, Your boldness and courage to say No to temptation and to serve You, in Jesus' name.
Lord, clothe me with Your mercy, favour and love, in Jesus' name.
Lord, bring me out of darkness and confusion around me; lift me higher and move me forward, in Jesus' name.
O, Lord reconciles Christian families and homes for the purpose for which You have established them, in Jesus' name.
O Lord, our Saviour, and Redeemer rescue the captives of the mighty, and deliver the prey of the terrible, deliver even the lawful captives, in Jesus' name.
O Lord, snatch Your Church in pity from the grip of the world, its evil systems, and tyrannies of sin, in Jesus' name.
King of glory, the Lord strong and mighty, intervein in the situations of nations of the world, our nation, especially nations calling upon Your name, in Jesus' name.
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