Suffering Servant (10 of 10)

The Word
Therefore I will divide him a portion with the many, and he shall divide the spoil with the strong, because he poured out his soul to death and was numbered with the transgressors; yet he bore the sin of many, and makes intercession for the transgressors. (Isaiah 53:11)

 Voice from the Church
“That ‘wondrous Cross’ reaches out its reconciling arms to encircle all worlds and beings and ages. It cost God more to hang nail-suspended on Calvary than to create ten million stellar thoroughfares. The redemptive meaning of that Cross … was erected on the green mound outside old Jerusalem, and will be shining through the universe when the biggest alpha-star has burned itself to a cinder. It writes God’s sublime ‘V’ sign over the whole universe.”
(J. Sidlow Baxter, 1903-1999)*

 Reflection
The conclusion of the Suffering Servant’s Song ends in glorious triumph and victory. The language employed is taken from the field of battle and conquest. One recalls the records of war and conflict in Old Testament battles. Following the clash of swords and shedding of blood, the spoils were those of the victor.

The Servant conquered at Calvary; the empty tomb attested his victory. But wonder of wonders, for those who have died and risen with this conquering Lamb—to these, the spoils will be shared. For we are “heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ, provided we suffer with him so that we may also be glorified with him” (Rom. 8:17).

Let the Lamb of God forever be praised by those who have been purchased by his own blood and have trusted in his name.

Verse
He was lifted up to die;
“It is finished” was his cry;
Now in heaven exalted high:
Hallelujah, what a Savior!
(Philip P. Bliss, 1838-1876)**


*J. Sidlow Baxter, The Master Theme of the Bible, p. 280.
**From “Man of Sorrows, What a Name” by Philip P. Bliss.

WellSpring: 365 devotional readings
Copyright © 2018 Ralph I. Tilley
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Author: Ralph I. Tilley

I joyfully identify with the long history of the orthodox, evangelical stream of the Church. Theologically, I am a conservative. On issues of secondary importance, I will not quibble with my brothers and sisters in Christ. We are called to “maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.” I would hope I have no doctrinal biases; however, I realize that is a practical impossibility: “Now I know in part.” You can read more on the About page.