|
Isaiah 56:9-12 Come, all you beasts of the field, come and devour, all you beasts of the forest! 10 Israel’s watchmen are blind, they all lack knowledge; they are all mute dogs, they cannot bark; they lie around and dream, they love to sleep. 11 They are dogs with mighty appetites; they never have enough. They are shepherds who lack understanding; they all turn to their own way, each seeks his own gain. 12 “Come,” each one cries, “let me get wine! Let us drink our fill of beer! And tomorrow will be like today, or even far better.”
WHAT has happened? Through Isaiah 54-56:8, the prophet has proclaimed the joy of God’s redeeming power to one day come to Israel and to the world. But now God’s voice becomes one of judgment and condemnation to Judah’s leaders. God has spoken, and Isaiah has moved from the far-future new heaven back into the near-future reality of exile. God will call the beasts of the field – the conquering nations such as Babylon – to devour Judah. This, indeed, is a very sobering understanding of our just God. For his own purpose, the LORD tolerates sin for a time. Then he will judge and sentence the sinners. All family and church leaders be aware. You have a profound responsibility to guide others to Jesus. God condemns Judah’s kings, princes and priests as blind, ignorant, lazy and speechless watchmen for the LORD. They tolerate sin and lead the people into it. Lazy, self-indulgent watchmen are a great danger to a city and its citizens. So it is with kingdom leaders who do not lead. God continues to speak his frustrations and condemnation in the gospels. One of Jesus’ regular condemnations was the hypocrisy of the Pharisees, Sadducees and teachers of the law. He warned they had rejected the Lord’s teachings and would not be prepared for the Lord’s justice on earth. Matthew 24:50-51 The master of that servant will come on a day when he does not expect him and at an hour he is not aware of. 51 He will cut him to pieces and assign him a place with the hypocrites, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth. When people say, “Jesus loved everyone.” they don’t include the love of his warnings. The Son of God urged Israel’s leaders into the truth, so they would be saved. The King of Heaven commanded them to be trusted followers of God, true watchmen for the kingdom. Luke 6:39-40 He also told them this parable: “Can a blind man lead a blind man? Will they not both fall into a pit? 40 A student is not above his teacher, but everyone who is fully trained will be like his teacher.” Note this. A learner is like his/her teacher. What are people learning from you? In one way or another, each one who says, “Jesus is my Lord.” is a watchman. Are you the LORD’s “watchman” for your family? Are you guarding your home’s gateways from evil? Do you know the LORD’s law to do what is right? Do those who follow you live with God as you do? It is a precious, wondrous gift to be God’s Watchman. Take on your responsibility with joy and determination. Be alert. Be steadfast for the good the Lord gives to you. John 10:3 “The watchman opens the gate for him, and the sheep listen to his voice. He calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. 4 When he has brought out all his own, he goes on ahead of them, and his sheep follow him because they know his voice. 5 But they will never follow a stranger; in fact, they will run away from him because they do not recognize a stranger's voice.” Read Isaiah 56
Isaiah 56:2 & 4-7 Blessed is the man who does this, the man who holds it fast, who keeps the Sabbath without desecrating it, and keeps his hand from doing any evil.”…4 For this is what the Lord says: “To the eunuchs who keep my Sabbaths, who choose what pleases me and hold fast to my covenant – 5 to them I will give within my temple and its walls a memorial and a name better than sons and daughters; I will give them an everlasting name that will not be cut off. 6 And foreigners who bind themselves to the Lord to serve him, to love the name of the Lord, and to worship him, all who keep the Sabbath without desecrating it and who hold fast to my covenant – 7 these I will bring to my holy mountain and give them joy in my house of prayer. Their burnt offerings and sacrifices will be accepted on my altar; for my house will be called a house of prayer for all nations.” AS we know, the LORD God is about saving his people into the kingdom of God. Isaiah 53 is a prophecy of Jesus’ saving ministry. Chapters 54 & 55 foretell the gospel’s good news. Now in Isaiah 56:1-9 is something else that is new: God will welcome all people who obey his commands. When the apostles began to minister the gospel, Acts 10 records the Spirit moving on Cornelius, a Roman centurion, to invite Peter to tell the good news. Peter wondered why a Gentile would want to know. He also wondered if it were appropriate to teach Jesus Christ crucified, risen and ascended to non-Jews. After his successful ministry in Cornelius’ home, the ruling apostles called him to Jerusalem to explain why he ministered to the Gentiles. Thankfully, Peter told specifically of the Spirit’s anointing to do this work. His true testimony enabled the apostles to realize, “So then, God has granted even the Gentiles repentance unto life.” (Acts 11:18) This is Isaiah’s prophecy – even foreigners who bind themselves to the Lord, those who keep the Sabbath God will take to his holy mountain and to his house of prayer. He will welcome the eunuchs, too. The LORD is changing his stipulations from Deuteronomy 23:1 No one who has been emasculated by crushing or cutting may enter the assembly of the Lord. It was the LORD’s will to forbid eunuchs and foreigners from the assembly. In the First Covenant God formed and used Israel to be a people under his commands, so the world would know who he is. From Israel has come the gospel. In Christ, our sins are forgiven as we confess and believe in the Spirit’s power. As we might consider God unfair to restrict some from the assembly, let’s now remember who God used to take the gospel to Africa: Acts 8:27 So Philip started out, and on his way he met an Ethiopian eunuch, an important official in charge of all the treasury of Candace, queen of the Ethiopians. This man had gone to Jerusalem to worship. Philip evangelized the gospel, reading from Isaiah! Then eunuch desired baptism, then joyfully went home. The earliest church in Africa is in Ethiopia! This is the Lord’s gracious work. He determines beyond our understanding how he will proclaim righteousness to the world. It is our joy to trust and follow him. Read Isaiah 55
Isaiah 55:12-13 You will go out in joy and be led forth in peace; the mountains and hills will burst into song before you, and all the trees of the field will clap their hands. 13 Instead of the thornbush will grow the pine tree, and instead of briers the myrtle will grow. This will be for the Lord’s renown, for an everlasting sign, which will not be destroyed.” ONE of the gospel’s powerful verses teaching God’s sovereignty is Jesus’ words at his triumphal entry into Jerusalem. Amid the crowd’s cry, “Blessed is the king who comes in the name of the Lord.” (Luke 19:38) The Pharisees fear Rome’s rebuke. They exhorted Jesus to silence the praise. “I tell you,” Jesus replied, “if they keep quiet, the stones will cry out.” (Luke 19:40) The LORD’s authority moves all things, even our stony hearts. In his salvation Word, we will experience a peace of mind and heart because we know we have passed from death to life (1 John 3:14) through Jesus Christ. What joy to know we are saved into heaven! Shout it to the world in your faith walk each day. Be noisy for Jesus even if it brings rebuke from the world. Then consider that salvation does even more than transform our souls. Salvation redeems the world. The trees clapping, pine trees replacing thornbushes, myrtle trees growing remind us of God’s vision to restore Eden. Remember, a new heaven and a new earth will come one day. This is personal and world redemption. Revelation 22:2 On each side of the river stood the tree of life, bearing twelve crops of fruit, yielding its fruit every month. And the leaves of the tree are for the healing of the nations. How great and wondrous it will be when all creation cannot keep quiet about Jesus. Psalms 47:1 Clap your hands, all you nations; shout to God with cries of joy. And the heavens will declare God’s authority: Mark 13:24-25 “But in those days, following that distress, the sun will be darkened, and the moon will not give its light; 25 the stars will fall from the sky, and the heavenly bodies will be shaken.” The universe, the nations, the mountains, the trees and the church will shout praise to the LORD God who has redeemed sin and rebuilt the broken. What joy comes to God and heaven when the lost are found: Luke 15:9-10 And when she finds it, she calls her friends and neighbors together and says, ‘Rejoice with me; I have found my lost coin.’ 10 In the same way, I tell you, there is rejoicing in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents.” God initiates and completes all things on his own time, purpose and power. Do not consider yourself worthy of Jesus’ salvation, but rejoice God has chosen you to be his. Do not be arrogant, either, that your sins or the sins of your culture are too much for God. Do you think God can move mountains, but he can’t move hearts? Open your mouth in praise. Declare the wondrous promises God has given to you and fulfilled in you. Read Isaiah 55
THE glorious expression of God’s promises continue from Isaiah 55 and the gospels. Isaiah 55:8 “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,” declares the Lord. 9 “As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts. THIS passage is often quoted. But do many people use this when they give up on their own strength? Are they out of hope, realizing, “I’m done with this. What’s happening is not my way but the Lord’s way.” Perhaps, “God’s ways are not my ways.” is spoken more in frustration than in faith. The power of this scripture comes when we realize the Lord’s ways are the way to go when you sign up, not when you resign. Each aspect of our lives – the ordinary and extraordinary – must begin with God. Hosea 14:9 Who is wise? He will realize these things. Who is discerning? He will understand them. The ways of the Lord are right; the righteous walk in them, but the rebellious stumble in them. The righteous life is trusting God’s ways. “Those who obey his commands live in him, and he in them. And this is how we know that he lives in us: We know it by the Spirit he gave us.” (1 John 3:24) From Isaiah to Hosea to 1 John, the Bible declares God’s way is to redeem us sinners into the Truth. His way is your light through dark valleys, your rest through the night, your eyes clearly see the right path. His way is a new journey of faith. The LORD’s way causes you to confess, “God’s ways are not my ways.” in trust, believing he has the best prepared for you. Verses 10-11 As the rain and the snow come down from heaven, and do not return to it without watering the earth and making it bud and flourish, so that it yields seed for the sower and bread for the eater, 11 so is my word that goes out from my mouth: It will not return to me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it. These words have long been a great encouragement to preachers, teachers, evangelists and church leaders. So very, very often our words of Jesus are rejected. People ignore the joy and wonder salvation offers to them. We are discouraged and wonder how we can reach them to teach them of God. Let us all then be encouraged as we obey Jesus’ command to, “Go, tell.” The Living Word of God has taught us, “The Spirit gives life; the flesh counts for nothing. The words I have spoken to you are spirit and they are life.” (John 6:63) When we speak his words, not ours, God will do with the Word as he desires. Stop to Remember: When “God said.” the entire universe of immeasurable size, color, variety and wonder became real. Read Isaiah 55
DO you think Israel considered the wonders of God’s plan for them and the world? Do you think we do? Let’s pray we do as we continue with Isaiah 55. Savor the Savior’s work. Isaiah 55:5 “Surely you will summon nations you know not, and nations that do not know you will hasten to you, because of the Lord your God, the Holy One of Israel, for he has endowed you with splendor.” Does the word “surely” comfort you? The word tells us there is no question nor doubt of God’s power to accomplish his purpose. Surely it’s true - once we were lost and now have been found. Yes, we know we were blind to truth but now have sight. In the Spirit’s anointing, we receive ears to hear what is good. Around the world each day the Kingdom of God becomes more certain. Ephesians 3:4 In reading this, then, you will be able to understand my insight into the mystery of Christ, 5 which was not made known to men in other generations as it has now been revealed by the Spirit to God’s holy apostles and prophets. Verse 6 Seek the Lord while he may be found; call on him while he is near. Grace is in this verse. “Seek me!” says the One who formed you. Psalms 27:8 My heart says of you, “Seek his face!” Your face, Lord, I will seek. Surely, heaven’s fullness is for you when you trust God’s Word. Matthew 7:7 “Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. 8 For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened.” Verse 7 Let the wicked forsake his way and the evil man his thoughts. Let him turn to the Lord, and he will have mercy on him, and to our God, for he will freely pardon. How good it is to know there is a way from sin into life. Why do so many refuse the kingdom keys? Do they think the lock is rusty or the door will not open when Christ is in their hand? The message is clear from Peter’s mouth: Acts 2:37 When the people heard (the gospel), they were cut to the heart and said to Peter and the other apostles, “Brothers, what shall we do?” 38 Peter replied, “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. 39 The promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off – for all whom the Lord our God will call.” What shall we do? We shall repent and be saved. We shall follow Jesus faithfully into eternity because we have turned to the Lord, and he has had mercy on us. Psalms 46: “Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.” Read Isaiah 55
THE gospel message continues from Isaiah 54. In each verse this chapter will be familiar to many and inspiring to all. Let’s consider God’s good news promises: Verse 1a Come, all you who are thirsty, come to the waters; and you who have no money, come, buy and eat! How often does the Bible speak of water as God’s image of life? Water is in all life. Water cleanses, renews, quenches and revives. John 4:14 (To the Samaritan woman at the well Jesus said), Whoever drinks the water I give him will never thirst. Indeed, the water I give him will become in him a spring of water welling up to eternal life.” The Living Water is our answer to sin’s dry, lifeless nature. Jesus Christ is always our satisfaction. Verse 1b-2a Come, buy wine and milk without money and without cost. 2 Why spend money on what is not bread, and your labor on what does not satisfy? The LORD God through the Son and Spirit provides you with life eternal. In Jesus, you will have life without cost. Romans 3:24 and are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus. Remember who supplies your needs: Matthew 6:11 “Give us this day our daily bread.” Verse 2b Listen, listen to me, and eat what is good, and your soul will delight in the richest of fare. Yes, Jesus is more than daily bread. John 6:48-50 I am the bread of life. 49 Your forefathers ate the manna in the desert, yet they died. 50 But here is the bread that comes down from heaven, which a man may eat and not die. The sweet Bread of Life feeds you daily and forever. Verse 3: Give ear and come to me; hear me, that your soul may live. I will make an everlasting covenant with you, my faithful love promised to David. Jesus, born in David’s lineage, gives the fullness of God. Luke 2:10-12 But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. 11 Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord.” What joy we know because the Savior has come to welcome us to his side, to his life. Matthew 11:28 “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” Verse 4 See, I have made him a witness to the peoples, a leader and commander of the peoples. Yes, Jesus has come to bear witness of God. John 14:10 Don’t you believe that I am in the Father, and that the Father is in me? The words I say to you are not just my own. Rather, it is the Father, living in me, who is doing his work. The Holy Spirt has given us the eyes to see Jesus leading us into heaven. He is our commander, pointing us to the truth. 1 Timothy 6:13 In the sight of God, who gives life to everything, and of Christ Jesus, who while testifying before Pontius Pilate made the good confession. How beautifully the Scriptures point to Jesus. Do you understand and know a deeper connection with Jesus as you read how the prophets so perfectly foretell and describe his character and work? We’ll continue with Isaiah 55 in our next lesson. Read Isaiah 54
Isaiah 54:1-3 “Sing, O barren woman, you who never bore a child; burst into song, shout for joy, you who were never in labor; because more are the children of the desolate woman than of her who has a husband,” says the Lord. 2 “Enlarge the place of your tent, stretch your tent curtains wide, do not hold back; lengthen your cords, strengthen your stakes. 3 For you will spread out to the right and to the left; your descendants will dispossess nations and settle in their desolate cities.” ISAIAH 54 is good news! The suffering is done. Something new and wonderful will happen throughout the world. Isn’t this the gospel? After Jesus’ suffering came the gradual, then sudden and glorious, realization that he is alive! The Lord on his ascension commissioned his disciples to build his church. The Spirit came in power. Joy entered the disciples’ souls. Luke 24:52 Then they worshiped him and returned to Jerusalem with great joy. Who on earth expected such a thing? The burden of sin’s captivity was overwhelming the world. But then the Messiah suffered, died and rose again. Out of the empty tomb came a worldwide covering of salvation. Think of what has happened. The disciples’ first work has spread out to the right and to the left; The church has transformed the world. The disciples’ descendants will dispossess nations and settle in their desolate cities. The church is everywhere. Yes, it is persecuted, ignored, chastised and ridiculed. But know the LORD has declared here and in many scriptures his church is the only true place of safety, goodness, love, mercy, grace and salvation. Remember, “the gates of Hades will not overcome it.” (Matthew 16:18b) What is the church to be? The remaining verses of Isaiah 54 give us God’s vision and promise. We are alive, born again out of sin’s barren womb into the glorious family of God’s Kingdom on earth. The Father, Son and Spirit watch over us, promising us eternal safety and joy: Isaiah 54:5 For your Maker is your husband – the Lord Almighty is his name – the Holy One of Israel is your Redeemer; he is called the God of all the earth. Know God reigns: Isaiah 54: 10 Though the mountains be shaken, and the hills be removed, yet my unfailing love for you will not be shaken nor my covenant of peace be removed," says the Lord, who has compassion on you. This chapter is a beautiful assurance God will act to overcome our sin nature, so he can welcome us into his presence. We can confidently offer this to all because the Lord has declared it, and the LORD has done it. Romans 1:15 That is why I am so eager to preach the gospel also to you who are at Rome. 16 I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes: first for the Jew, then for the Gentile. Read Isaiah 53
Isaiah 53:12 Therefore I will give him a portion among the great, and he will divide the spoils with the strong, because he poured out his life unto death, and was numbered with the transgressors. For he bore the sin of many and made intercession for the transgressors. AS this verse begins with “therefore”, you can consider this a summary and fulfillment of the entire chapter’s Suffering Servant prophecy. Because the Messiah will fulfill God’s will, these truths will be known: I will give him a portion among the great. Who has a greater name than Jesus? Who has more influence over history and the course of world events? Whether it is the church or the world, Jesus’ time on earth marks the calendar and affects each life. Jesus’ rule fro, heaven also continually transforms countless lives unto salvation. Philippians 2:10 that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth. 11 and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. He will divide the spoils with the strong. This phrase could be seen from the world’s point of view to indicate the conquering King would have many riches to share. Instead of worldly riches, we look upon Jesus from the Father’s view. Jesus was given the riches of the kingdom on earth. “All authority in heaven and on earth has been granted to me.” (Matthew 28:18b) Then he sent his disciples – those given to him (See John 17.) – to proclaim the good news. In Ephesians 4:1-9 Paul wrote more details of Jesus’ methods to declare God’s victory over sin with his appointed servants on earth: In Jesus’ unifying power: “There is one body and one Spirit…one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God (verses 5-6). In the Spiritual gifts: But to each of us grace has been given as Christ apportioned it…11 So Christ himself gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, his pastors and teachers to equip his people for work of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up. Because Jesus was born, suffered, died, rose and ascended, the work of the gospel is under Jesus’ rule. He has been given the church to declare his name of salvation. Yet, once more before closing, Isaiah points to Jesus’ suffering and separation from the Father as the reason for Jesus’ glory. This gospel is true because Jesus poured out his life unto death. He was placed between two thieves on a cross to be numbered with the transgressors. To the Jews, then and now, he is numbered with all who are cursed under God’s law. This was God’s plan. This is God’s truth. You can daily thank God, Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us, for it is written: “Cursed is everyone who is hung on a tree.” (Galatians 3:13) Yes, Jesus suffered sin’s curse to bear the sin of many. And note the power of Jesus’ suffering: He has made intercession for the transgressors. He is the High Priest, who prays for his own to be forgiven and protected. He is the one who enters into a sinner’s life to say, “You will have treasures in heaven. Come, follow me.” (Matthew 19:21) He is the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world. (John 1:29) because he took our transgressions and broke sin’s chains. What a wondrous love is this. Consider the Savior. Consider your sins. Believe your redemption as you believe in Jesus who has saved you. His work is from everlasting to everlasting because he first loved you. Live in joy. Worship the Suffering Servant because he is your sure hope, the King of kings. Psalm 2:8 Ask me, and I will make the nations of the earth your inheritance, the ends of the earth your possession. 9 You will break them with a rod of iron; you will dash them to pieces like pottery. 10 Therefore, you kings, be wise, be warned, you rulers of the earth. 11 Serve the LORD with fear and celebrate his rule with trembling. 12 Kiss the Son, or he will be angry, and your way will lead to your destruction for his wrath can flare up in a moment. Blessed are all who take refuge in him. Read Isaiah 53
Isaiah 53:8-9 By oppression and judgment he was taken away. Yet who of his generation protests. For he was cut off from the land of the living, for the transgressions of my people he was punished. 9 He wa assigned a grave with the wicked, and with the rich in death, though he had done no violence, nor was any deceit in his mouth. WE are often prone, especially in difficult situations, to wonder about God’s presence and influence in our daily lives. Is it not common to ask, “Why, God?” wondering the reason we are walking through dark valleys? But have you ever asked, “Why, God?” when it comes to your salvation? This is the primary reason we’ve stopped for several days to dwell on Isaiah 53. When you thoughtfully know each point of Isaiah’s prophecy, do you ask, “Why, God, would your Son experience such great tribulation? Why, God, would Jesus die for me, unworthy in my wickedness?” Hopefully, this is your response. Remember, grace is undeserved merit. I’m not being cruel to say you don’t deserve salvation. But it’s true. None of us do because God hates sin. He does not want sinners in his presence. That is why God’s mercy is so far beyond our understanding. Until we realize the depth of our sins, we will never begin to know how high, far and wide the Father’s love is for us. Indeed, God so loved the world (John 3:16a) must be a testimony of his grace to save, spoken in wonder and joy. Your only response must be, “I so love you, LORD God! I am in awe you so passionately love me to save me from wickedness and death. I want to die in Christ, so I will live with you!” Isaiah draws a detailed picture of Jesus’ work here with some very specific prophecies. For example, by oppression and judgment he was taken away points to the Jews, who oppressed and judged his teachings. They mocked Jesus with “untrained”, “magician”, “troublemaker” and “law-breaker”. Jesus could never do enough to please those who should have been greatly pleased God was with them. John 6 records Jesus feeding one miraculous meal to 5,000-plus people. Still, the Jews asked him for more signs. They contrasted this one meal to 40 years of manna in the desert (John 6:30-32). Jesus chided the people, too, for coming for physical bread while rejecting his eternal bread. In response, from that time many of his disciples turned back and no longer followed him. (John 6:66) Then Judas “judged” Jesus to betray Jesus to the temple authorities who oppressed him to the cross. And who opposed Jesus’ trial? No one went to speak for him. Only opposition raised its voice that dark morning. What happened to the voices of those who said, “We have come to believe and to know that you are the holy one of God.” (John 6:68b) Who of his generation protested? Even the murderer and rebel Barabbas received more gracious treatment. It is not a new thing that the innocent is persecuted and the guilty go free. This is evil’s work. Another specific prophecy is the very direct words relating to Jesus’ death. He was cut off from the land of the living for the transgressions of my people he was punished. Then, we know he wa assigned a grave with the wicked. His burial was as any other person, for we are all wicked in God’s holiness. Then the prophecy points specifically to the garden tomb of Joseph of Arimathea. Only a man of wealth could have such a tomb. The Father’s judgment on our sin was transferred onto the Son, even though he had done no violence, nor was any deceit in his mouth. There is the common phrase, WWJD, that is interpreted as What Would Jesus Do? You cannot truly know what Jesus would do until you answer WWJD this way: Why Would Jesus Die? When you know in your heart the answer is: The Lord of Life died that I will have life with him. Your daily life will be a habit to be – to love, to give, to teach, to sacrifice, to serve, to forgive, to die for the ungodly – as Jesus is. John 6:28b-29 “What must we do to do the work God requires?” 29 Jesus answered, “The work of God is this: to believe in the one he has sent.” Read Isaiah 53
Isaiah 53:6-7 We all, like sheep, have gone astray, each of us has turned to our own way; and the LORD has laid on him the iniquity of us all. 7 The Messiah was oppressed and afflicted; yet, he did not open his mouth. He was led like a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before the shearers is silent, so he did not open his mouth. HAVE you ever considered the Good Shepherd (John 10:14 “I am the good shepherd.) is also the sacrificial lamb of God: 1 Peter 1:19 but with the precious blood of Christ, a lamb without blemish or defect. His shepherd’s staff leads us into the salvation Jesus has made possible through his submission to the sacrificial altar. Our LORD Jesus is surely, “I Am who I Am.” (Exodus 3:14) He is the Resurrection and the Life who died to become the firstborn of the dead (Revelation 1:5). The grave holds no power over any who believe. The Servant is the one who has descended from heaven in humility, so the King can ascend to his home in glory. The Son has left the Father’s side to return to the Father’s right hand. The Mighty God has been condemned to be declared the Righteous One. The Lord Jesus became sin, so he could pray, “Father forgive them.” Jesus suffered the thirst of temptation in order to refresh the sinner with his Living Water. The Light of the World came that those living in darkness have seen a great light (Matthew 4:16). The Christ was captured and chained, so he would free us from death’s bitter chains. Jesus carried the cross to empower us each to take it up in his strength. He is the Bread of Life to feed our hunger for love, purpose, peace and joy. The Lord was a slave to humanity to become the Master of mankind’s eternal destiny. Matthew 25:32 All the nations will be gathered before him, and he will separate the people one from another. Jesus is our brother because he is born of woman. He is our Savior because he was begotten – not made or born, but brought forth – from God. Praise God the Father, Son and Spirit he has so personally revealed to you, “I am the Alpha and Omega who is, who was, and who is to come.” (Revelation 1:8) |
AuthorBob James Archives
November 2024
Categories |
RSS Feed