Pastor’s Bible Reading Schedule: Isaiah 53-55; Mark 13
Devotional Thought:
With the exception of Psalm 22, the prophecy of the crucifixion passage, there is no greater Old Testament passage that pictures the story of redemption as Isaiah 53. How incredible that the God of all creation would humble Himself to become human so that He could grow up and pay the price of our sin. In this chapter we find his humility manifested in how he responded to the demanded price tag of our sin. In verse 3 we find that He was a man of sorrows. He faced all of the temptations of the flesh, the turmoil’s of life, and the tricks of the Devil. He knew what it was like to sorrow over the death of a loved one, the denial of a friend, the devastation of false accusations, and the devouring against his flesh. “[Jesus] was tempted in all points like as we are, yet without sin.” But here our Savior sorrows over our sin! In verse 4 we find that He was a man smitten. “He was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities… and with His stripes we are healed.” Jesus endured our punishment. In verse 7 we find that He was a man silent. He never sought to defend Himself, for He was not paying for His own sin and there was no defending our sinful souls. We were guilty! “…so He opened not His mouth.” In verse 11 we find that He was a man satisfied. God the Father was willing to take the punishment for our sin against His own Son. God the Father was satisfied to make Jesus an offering for our sin, and that accepted offering “shall justify many.” Hebrew 12:2 says, “Looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith: who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.” The Father was satisfied and accepted the perfect blood of His Son as payment for our sin. Our Savior was satisfied to sit down, having completed the work His Father gave Him to do. Hallelujah! What a Savior!
Personal Requests:
• Lord, help me to never forget the price you paid for my sin.
• Lord, help me to see the wickedness of sin. Help me to never justify it or defend it. Help me to confess it and forsake it!
• Lord, help me to tell somebody today of how much you loved the world, and how much you desire for each person to live with you in heaven forever!
• Lord, thank you for loving me and for saving my soul.