RPG Adults
INTRODUCTION TO THE SUFFERING SERVANT
WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 24
Isaiah 52:13-15
Psalm 26:7-12
"LORD, I have loved the
habitation of thy house…"
INTRODUCTION TO THE SUFFERING SERVANT
It is unfortunate that Isaiah 52:13-15 should be detached from Isaiah 53, which is the heart of the Gospel Prophet’s message and one of the most famous chapters of the Bible. As a result, these introducing verses to Isaiah 53 are left out in the reading. But in the original manuscripts there were no such chapter and verse divisions.
These few verses are an introduction and summary of the life and work of the Suffering Servant. Here is God’s endorsement of the Servant’s work that it will "prosper" (MacRae). It reminds us of David, His ancestor according to the flesh (Rom 1:3), that "David went on, and grew great, and the LORD God of hosts was with him" (2 Sam 5:10). It will not only "prosper," but will also be highly exalted, as God Himself is "high and lifted up." What name today is as great and honourable as Jesus?
But the Servant must stoop to conquer. Before exaltation, He must go through humiliation. Previous passages on the Servant have given us glimpses of His humiliation (Isa 49:4, 7; 50:6). Isaiah 52:14 describes the cruel lashings He underwent in His sufferings (Matt 26:67-68; 27:27- 30) so much so His facial features were distorted. He was spat upon to take away our loss of face, and the crimson of our shame!
Isaiah 52:15 concludes this introductory paragraph by summarising the results of His humiliation. He will "sprinkle" (i.e. "cleanse") many nationalities by His precious blood. This "sprinkling" is an Old Testament ceremonial practice, such as the sprinkling of blood and water for purification which Peter had in mind when he wrote of "Elect … unto obedience and sprinkling of the blood of Jesus Christ" (1 Pet 1:2). By His death whereby His precious blood was shed, many people from many lands will be saved. Kings will marvel at this "new and living way" (Heb 10:20).
THOUGHT: The New Testament counterpart in Philippians 2:5-11.
PRAYER: Truly, the Bible is Thy Word, O Lord! May I treasure it.
Posted in Adult RPG
Isaiah 52:13-15
Psalm 26:7-12
"LORD, I have loved the
habitation of thy house…"
INTRODUCTION TO THE SUFFERING SERVANT
It is unfortunate that Isaiah 52:13-15 should be detached from Isaiah 53, which is the heart of the Gospel Prophet’s message and one of the most famous chapters of the Bible. As a result, these introducing verses to Isaiah 53 are left out in the reading. But in the original manuscripts there were no such chapter and verse divisions.
These few verses are an introduction and summary of the life and work of the Suffering Servant. Here is God’s endorsement of the Servant’s work that it will "prosper" (MacRae). It reminds us of David, His ancestor according to the flesh (Rom 1:3), that "David went on, and grew great, and the LORD God of hosts was with him" (2 Sam 5:10). It will not only "prosper," but will also be highly exalted, as God Himself is "high and lifted up." What name today is as great and honourable as Jesus?
But the Servant must stoop to conquer. Before exaltation, He must go through humiliation. Previous passages on the Servant have given us glimpses of His humiliation (Isa 49:4, 7; 50:6). Isaiah 52:14 describes the cruel lashings He underwent in His sufferings (Matt 26:67-68; 27:27- 30) so much so His facial features were distorted. He was spat upon to take away our loss of face, and the crimson of our shame!
Isaiah 52:15 concludes this introductory paragraph by summarising the results of His humiliation. He will "sprinkle" (i.e. "cleanse") many nationalities by His precious blood. This "sprinkling" is an Old Testament ceremonial practice, such as the sprinkling of blood and water for purification which Peter had in mind when he wrote of "Elect … unto obedience and sprinkling of the blood of Jesus Christ" (1 Pet 1:2). By His death whereby His precious blood was shed, many people from many lands will be saved. Kings will marvel at this "new and living way" (Heb 10:20).
THOUGHT: The New Testament counterpart in Philippians 2:5-11.
PRAYER: Truly, the Bible is Thy Word, O Lord! May I treasure it.
Posted in Adult RPG