January 17--Evening
January 17—Evening "He shall see of the travail of His soul."
Isaiah 53:1-12 The sacrifice of Isaac reminds us of the Divine Father, who spared not his own Son, but freely delivered him up for us all. Let us read Isaiah's account of the sufferings of the Great Son of God.
Isaiah 53:1 None believe the gospel, but those who are wrought upon by the power of God.
Isaiah 53:3 The Eternal Father out of love to man sent forth his Son to be thus dishonoured, and shamefully entreated among men. Herein is love!
Four words are used to describe the pains of the Lord Jesus—"wounded," "bruised" "chastisement" "stripes." How many, how varied, and how acute were his pains none of us can tell.
Here is the essence of the gospel—sin was laid on Jesus, and lies no longer on his people. Jehovah himself made the transfer, and therefore none dare question the lawfulness of it.
Jehovah took pleasure in the atoning sacrifice. So great was his love that he bruised the Son of his love to save rebellious sinners;
Yes, Jehovah himself put his own Son to grief. In this God commendeth his love towards us, and we ought to give our whole souls to him in return.
Those who unfeignedly trust in the Lord Jesus may rest assured that their sins have ceased to be, for Jesus has fully discharged their debt: they may also rejoice that the prevalent plea of the exalted Intercessor secures them from all harm. Let us draw near to the cross of Jesus, and rest our souls beneath the shadow of the Crucified. God has provided himself a Lamb for a burnt-offering, the victim is slain, the covenant is established, believers are secure. For this let the Eternal Father be evermore adored.
Nature with open volume stands, To spread her Maker's praise abroad; And every labour of his hands Shows something worthy of a God.
But in the grace that rescued man His brightest form of glory shines;
Here, on the cross, 'tis fairest drawn In precious blood and crimson lines.
Here I behold his inmost heart, Where grace and vengeance strangely join, Piercing his Son with sharpest smart, To make the purchased pleasures mine.