He Was Stricken

Who has believed what we have heard? And who has the arm of the Lord been revealed to? He grew up before Him like a young plant and like a root out of dry ground. He didn’t have an impressive form or majesty that we should look at Him, no appearance that we should desire Him. He was despised and rejected by men, a man of suffering who knew what sickness was. He was like someone people turned away from; He was despised, and we didn’t value Him. Yet He Himself bore our sicknesses, and He carried our pains; but we in turn regarded Him stricken, struck down by God, and afflicted. But He was pierced because of our transgressions, crushed because of our iniquities; punishment for our peace was on Him, and we are healed by His wounds.
Isaiah 53:1‭-‬5 HCSB

The above passage refers to Jesus. He was not a pretty face but His attraction ran deeper. He was truth, He was the word of God in the flesh. He came to display the Father and not live for Himself.

As we approach Easter it is good to be mindful of Him and why He came.

He came to bring us home to the Father. He came to save us from our sins. He came to restore the kingdom of God in the hearts of men.

If we struggle with rejection, He had gone before us. Jesus despised the shame as He was here for a greater purpose. He was not here to be popular, win votes or win a competition. He knew the path He must go and He walked it.

What did He promise those who follow Him? Eternal life and the Holy Spirit as a comforter and guide and the way of the cross. We who follow Him have our own crosses to bear. We don't like this aspect but it is real and if we really love Him, the way we will choose to go. Amen