(HOW DO YOU SPELL RELIEF)
By Rev. Isaiah Robinson, Jr.
Scriptural text: ISAIAH 53: 1-7
KEY VERSE
“I “ All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one
To his own way; and the Lord hath laid to him the iniquity of us all.”(KJV)
INTRODUCTION:
During this period of political instability, Isaiah’s prophecies spoke out not only judgment but also of hope. Isaiah was active in Judah, the Southern Kingdom, particularly in Jerusalem. He served as God’s spokesperson during the reigns of several kings, including Uzziah, Jotham, Ahaz, and Hezekiah.
Isaiah 53:1-7, often termed “Suffering Servant.” Passages in the Hebrew Bible. It is against the backdrop of the Babylonian exile, when the people of Judah were displaced from their land because of their unfaithfulness to God. During this period of darkness, Isaiah prophesied hope and restoration. He spoke of a figure who would be despised, rejected, and misunderstood, yet would suffer for the people’s sins. Through his sacrificial suffering, he would bring about redemption. During a time of political and social upheaval, the passage offers a striking contrast between expectations of worldly power and the divine plan for salvation that comes through humility and sacrifice.
The Suffering Servant’s Rejection (Isaiah 53:1-3). Isaiah 52:13 53:12
describes the suffering vindication of a Servant who is despised and rejected by mortals, yet who is exalted by God. Several times, God refers to Israel as His Servant, chosen to fulfill His purposes. The people of Israel were called to be “A light to the nations, revealing God’s character and planting to the world. However, Israel’s failure to achieve this purpose led to its exile. Through the “ SUFFRING SERVANT GOD’S
People would be restored and fulfilled. The revelation of “God’s arm” a symbol of His power and activity, was not immediately obvious. The Servant’s physical appearance and humble origin, and hostile environment were not noteworthy to the eyes of the of the world.
Purpose In Suffering (Isaiah 53; 4-5)
This passage states that the Servant would not suffer for anything he had done. Both infirmities and disease symbolize emotional, spiritual, and physical suffering. The Servant’s suffering has a redemptive purpose. His physical punishment reconcile the people to God. For Christians, this passage is a prophecy of Jesus Christ suffering for all humanity to be healed and reconciled to God.
Silent Submission ( Isaiah 53;6-7) People have deliberately rejected God’s guidance and strayed from Him.