Journal Is 53-54 (all references are from the ESV unless noted otherwise; changes in punctuation are mine)
Scripture: (Isaiah prophesying about Jesus) “For he grew up before him like a young plant, and like a root out of dry ground.
He had no form or majesty that we should look at him, and no beauty that we should desire him. He was despised and rejected by men—a man of sorrows and acquainted with grief, and as one from whom men hide their faces—he was despised…and we esteemed him not.
Surely, he has borne our griefs and carried our sorrows; yet…we esteemed him stricken, smitten by God, and afflicted.
But…he was pierced for our transgressions; he was crushed for our iniquities; upon him was the chastisement that brought us peace, and with his wounds we are healed.
All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned—every one (of us)—to his own way; and the Lord has laid on him the iniquity of us all.” (Is 53:2-6)
Observation: A familiar passage—but a passage I fail to give adequate thought to often.
Analysis: What am I reading here?
One benefit about typing/writing out the scripture reference is that by typing, I must slow down—I can’t type at the speed of thought.
Also, by writing, I take the opportunity to type the way I hear it in my head—I don’t type it out the way the bible editors framed it; I type the way I would speak it if I were on a stage. That way, I can wring out nuances the way Isaiah might have.
In my opinion, it is a good practice and avoids most monotone deliveries; puts some emotion in the passage.
Why was it curious that Jesus was no one to look at; no physical specimen; not handsome. He was despised. According to this prophetic word, someone I could have identified that he was well acquainted with sadness and sorrows—carried the weight of the world on his shoulders—figuratively and with authenticity.
Jesus, our Savior, should not be pictured as only one thing. He is the Lion of Judah, but he is also the Sacrificial Lamb. I can imagine him as full of joy only to have the joy fade while he remembers why he is here. At that point the Joy is displayed with fierce determination and a face like flint.
Do I appreciate Him? Do I review why He died for me? Do I see my face in the mirror and preach the Gospel to it?
Never enough…
Prayer: “Man of sorrows”, what a name for the Son of God who came. Ruined sinners to reclaim, Hallelujah! What a Savior!” Hymn, Man of Sorrows, Philip Bliss (1838-1876)
Lord, I cannot help but remember this hymn when I read this Isaiah passage. That is what hymns are good for, remembering your Word and the principles, precepts, and doctrine, behind the hymn.
Please help me not to forget and to please increase the impact of the Gospel to me.
Amen.
Ricky Two Shoes