“He was despised and rejected by men, a man of sorrows, and familiar with suffering. Like one from whom men hide their faces He was despised, and we esteemed Him not” (Is. 53:3)
Respect, Obedience, and Honor – words that seem to be lacking in our lives and those around us. Jesus Christ, our creator, who gave us life, and loved us so much that He suffered the most horrific death so we could have eternal life with Him deserves them. It should pain us greatly when there is sin in our lives, yet quite often it is made light of and excuses are made.
“Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus. Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, but made Himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to death-even death on a cross!” (Phil 2:5-8)
He bore it all, He understands, and He gave His life through humbling Himself and becoming man. He lived among us as a perfect example on how to live.
While reading through more of Isaiah 53 we see how Christ was treated even though He did no wrong. He was despised and treated badly, yet He still loved us and continued with His Father’s plan to save us from our sin and iniquities. “For He bore the sin of many, and made intercession for the transgressors.” (Is 53:12) Jesus knew that He would have to suffer and die yet He still went through with it.
When times come to stand up and suffer for our Lord, do we go through with it or chose the easy way out? There may be rejection, but if we are right in the Lord and leave it with Him we shouldn’t worry. Let’s stand up for what is right even if it means a little uneasiness and discomfort. It may even cause us physical pain or death. What better cause is there than to die for our Lord and Savior and join Him in heaven!
Let us not forget the love Jesus has for us and the importance is He desires all to be saved and come to Him. Jesus – the perfect example.
Respectively,
scott f. erickson
