Isa 53

Are you a believer?
Isaiah follows the historical lesson of Israel’s exodus from Egypt with this chapter called “the suffering servant”. For that reason, Jewish scholars have usually considered that Isaiah 53 refers to the whole nation of Israel, not a singular person. I agree the beginning of the chapter continues the thought of chapter 52, but moves beyond anything Israel is capable of. For instance, the bearing of our sin. No doubt remains When Philip preaches Jesus to the Ethiopian Eunuch from Isaiah 53 as told in Acts 8:26-40. In fact, Isaiah 53 is quoted 7 times in the New Testament.
Matthew 8:14-17-Isa 53:4 The healing ministry of Jesus

John 12:37-41-Isa 53:1 The Jews were blinded by their law into unbelief. What blinds you from believing everything about Jesus?
For some time, I wondered why TV shows would depict cops and soldiers entering dark and dangerous buildings armed with weapons and super bright flashlights. I thought, “the perp is just going to shoot at the light”. But that doesn’t happen because the light blinds.
It seems that so many people today are staring into the light of materialism, prideful control, ambition, comfort and ease, and as a result, are unable to see the gentle Savior.

Luke 22:35-38-Isa 53:12 Jesus (and anyone who follows) was numbered with sinners

1 Peter 2:19-25-Isa 53:9 Although sinless, Jesus did not speak out in his own defense at His trial. So God is honored when we suffer for doing the right thing. Some time ago I listened as a Christian woman put her foot in her mouth, for the 10,000th time. The perpetual rudeness of this person probably brings a great deal of animosity. Whatever suffering she endures is her fault and brings no honor to God. But when she or you or I suffer for doing what is right and we don’t speak out, then we are beginning to show our absolute belief in Jesus.

Acts 8:26-35-Isa 53:7-8 “He preached Jesus” I love that a deacon (servers of food) could start from Isa 53 and preach Jesus from the OT. We have it so much easier because we have the NT. Are you able to introduce Jesus from the Scriptures? How about starting with Rev 12:11. “They overcame by the blood of the Lamb, and the word of their testimony.” What has God done for you? What was your journey to Jesus? What is God doing in your life right now?
I have a friend who works with a children’s ministry called, Venture Clubs. Glen is a dedicated servant of God. We were sitting down at the last IFCA conference and he said, “Everybody wants to giver their testimony. Churches are asking people to memorize their testimony and share that. I say, ‘forget your testimony and share the gospel’. He then gave me this hat with the gospel in colors. I love his passion but I want to amend his statement in favor of the “word of your testimony”. Give your testimony and then share the gospel.

Romans 10:11-21-Isa 53:1
So, we are back to the original question. Are you a believer? Are you ready to follow Christ? Are you ready to sacrifice your own agenda to be His servant? Rom 12:1-2. Are you ready to have peace with God and assurance of forgiveness? John 14:27