The Lamb and the Shepherd

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)