May 14, 2021 – Isaiah 49-53

The second of the four servant songs of Isaiah: 49:1-6. The others: 42:1-4, 50:4-9, and 52:13-53:12. Here, in chapter 42, the servant initially appears to be Israel. From the founding of the nation, God had intended for her to be a servant to the nations, declaring his word and making known his redemption. Ultimately, the servant is the Messiah in whom alone are the nations blessed. From the last of the servant songs, hear what Isaiah says about him and his ministry!

Though high and lifted up, “his appearance was so marred, beyond human resemblance, and his form beyond that of the children of mankind” (52:14). How humble is this servant: “he had no form or majesty that we should look at him, and no beauty that we should desire him” (53:2). Despised and rejected, “he has born our griefs and carried our sorrows” (53:5). “He was pierced for our transgressions; he was crushed for our iniquities; upon him was the chastisement that brought us peace, and with his wounds we are healed” (53:5).

Oh, what a wonderful Savior!

Oh, what a wonderful Savior!

Oh, what a wonderful Savior

Is Jesus Christ my King! --Lewis E. Jones