READING: Isaiah 52:13-57:21
Today is one of those days when it feels almost irreverent to offer comment on the biblical text. Nothing I could write would come even close to explaining the majesty of the suffering Servant of Isaiah 53. No words suffice. No phrase adequately captures the grace. No commentary is necessary.
Instead, we just let the text speak for itself. In fact, I invite you to do today’s devotion simply by reading these verses aloud:
He was despised and rejected by men, a man of suffering who knew what sickness was.
He was like someone people turned away from; he was despised, and we didn’t value him.
Yet he himself bore our sicknesses, and he carried our pains; but we in turn regarded him stricken, struck down by God, and afflicted.
But he was pierced because of our rebellion, crushed because of our iniquities;
punishment for our peace was on him, and we are healed by his wounds.
We all went astray like sheep; we all have turned to our own way; and the Lord has punished him for the iniquity of us all. (Isa 53:3-6)
That’s an amazingly gracious gift. Amen.
PERSONAL REFLECTION: How amazed are you at Jesus’ dying for you?
DAILY PRAYER: “God, Your plan is beyond my comprehension . . . and certainly far beyond what I deserve. Thank You for Jesus, our substitute.”
TOMORROW’S READING: Isaiah 58:1-63:14
