Behold, My servant will prosper,
He will be high and lifted up and greatly exalted.
Just as many were astonished at you, My people,
So His appearance was marred more than any man
And His form more than the sons of men.
Thus He will sprinkle many nations,
Kings will shut their mouths on account of Him;
For what had not been told them they will see,
And what they had not heard they will understand. Isaiah 52:13-15
Though Jesus the Messiah would suffer, Isaiah wrote that He also would make such a profound impact in the world, that kings would be astonished, that He would prosper. Certainly, this is far from the ‘name it claim it’, ‘health, wealth gospel’ idea. Jesus has been exalted throughout history. And he will be in the future as well: Every knee one day will bow, and every tongue confess that Jesus is Lord to the glory of God. Isaiah did point out that His appearance was ‘marred more than any man’ indicating the brutality He suffered at the hands of the Romans. His pathway to glory was through suffering.
How about me? Is my pathway to glory, through suffering?
God, I am amazed at Jesus. God, because of Him, I have a model in all things. In my heart I am saying as the hymn declares “In my life, Lord, be glorified”. May my life reflect the character of Jesus Christ. Today, is a funny day… we are working with a team of volunteers, then spending time with rest and chores around the house. Remind me that You are in all of this. As I serve You, help me prosper.
