SEPTEMBER 25, Isaiah 53:1-5

The heart of the book of Isaiah is this famous chapter. It tells of the humiliation and suffering the Lord Jesus Christ would go through while on earth. Jesus left heaven’s glory to take upon himself the form of a humble servant.

He was born “a root out of dry ground” for though he was of the royal lineage of King David, His heritage was not held in regard by the people. He was the son of a carpenter, not a king. He was born in a stable, not a palace. The stable is not a nice cuddly place that some of us may think it to be from Christmas cards depicting Christmas. On the other hand, the stable is a smelly and dirty place that few of you would rather be. In such a setting, the great God and King, our precious Lord, chose to be born.

Jesus also did not come as a striking or handsome man with an attractive physical appearance that would draw people to Him. He was not what the Jews had expected of the coming Messiah. They were expecting their Messiah to come in pomp and power. Instead, the life of Jesus was like a tender plant, silent and unnoticed. He told his disciples that He had nowhere to lay His head as He went from town to town preaching the gospel. One of the most important places in everyone’s life is his home. The home is also the favourite destination of travellers, especially those who go on frequent business trips. Some of you may have parents who travel a lot for business. If you ask them, they will tell you how much they long to come home to see you during those long trips!

Jesus was also acquainted with the sorrows of the people, their sicknesses and their deaths. We have never read that He jested or enjoyed life, but at times He wept. He came to save mankind but they rejected Him for they only saw His humiliation and sufferings. Of course, the greatest act of humility and love of our precious Saviour is his final and ultimate act of love, when he sacrificed himself on the cross. Dear child, this is the wonderful Saviour we have. For all the power He had, he came as a suffering servant for you and me.

Thought: O what a great Saviour I have in Jesus!

Prayer: Heavenly Father, I am awed by such a wonderful Saviour and Friend I have in Jesus. These few verses really remind me of how much He suffered and I want to say I love You Heavenly Father. May I be faithful, as I see how much You have suffered for me. In Jesus' name I pray, Amen.