The Despised Christ
Friday, June 5, 2009 “He was despised and rejected by men; a man of sorrows and acquainted with grief; and as one from whom men hide their faces he was despised, and we esteemed him not.” -Isaiah 53:3
We create the sorrow and grief of Jesus when we hide our faces from him, when we see little in him worth our time and attention.
Jesus is most often rejected so that we might be more religious. Self-righteousness feels no need of a Saviour. The self is full of confidence in it’s own abilities and talents, so sure of just what to say, just what to do, just how to get our own way.
This is the sorrow and grief of Christ. Yet it is also his joy to bear this very sin of ours. Good news.
“All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way; and the Lord has laid on him the iniquity of us all”. -Isaiah 53.6
Reader Comments (2)
Isaiah 63: 5 I looked, but there was no one to help, I was appalled that no one gave support; so my own arm worked salvation for me,and my own wrath sustained me.
When we are busy caught up in this life's cares and worries, even when we are busy being religious and doing religious things, we often have no idea where the mind of Jesus is. I remember being on a mission trip, one night sitting around a table for dinner, and it struck me how people, religious people, were more interested in their position at the table than anything else. I wondered where Jesus was meant to be sat, and if he was sat there, who would notice?
Later that night I felt compelled to open my Bible, and it fell open at Isaiah 63. It was one of those times when the word of God hits you right in between the eyes. I was stunned and felt sorrow for the Jesus who works salvation alone, whilst his people are busy being religious.
Jesus, forgive me for the times I have allowed the cares of this world, of my life, to choke your word, when religious activity has eclipsed your glory. May I put all things aside so that I may see as you see, and do as you do.
Your comment came up on my email, as they do, while in the meeting. Two presentations, then lunch.
Thanks for the inspiring thoughts. You know how much I agree and want better life with Christ.