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Romans 1:24-27 says, “Therefore God also gave them up to uncleanness, in the lusts of their hearts, to dishonor their bodies among themselves, who exchanged the truth of God for the lie, and worshiped and served the creature rather than the Creator, who is blessed forever. Amen. For this reason God gave them up to vile passions. For even their women exchanged the natural use for what is against nature. Likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust for one another, men with men committing what is shameful, and receiving in themselves the penalty of their error which was due.”
Paul is talking about what happened to humanity in regard to their sexuality when they turned from God. When a nation loses its ability to discern basic sexual morality, God says, “That’s the last step. I give up!”
America is in a crisis…
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1 Corinthians 1:1-9
Many Christians are experiencing an identity crisis. They know they’re saved, but they don’t really know what to think about themselves. Let’s take a little test. Do you consider yourself a sinner saved by grace or a saint who occasionally sins? Both statements are true, but the first one dwells on your past identity, whereas the second focuses on the Lord’s perception of you.
If you are a believer, God’s Word says that you are a saint (v. 2). But too many of us still see ourselves as the same old sinner, who’s been forgiven and patched up and yet is basically unchanged inside. But the Lord says anyone in Christ “is a new creature; the old things passed away” (2 Cor. 5:17). That’s what being born again is all about. We can never go back to the way we were.
The solution to this identity crisis…
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Seek The Kingdom Above All
http://livingwaterministries.blog/2021/09/27/seek-the-kingdom-above-all/
— Read on livingwaterministries.blog/2021/09/27/seek-the-kingdom-above-all/
Ephesians 4:29 (New Living Translation)
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Don’t use foul or abusive language. Let everything you say be good and helpful, so that your words will be an encouragement to those who hear them.
Don’t get yourself caught in cursing and belittling other in foul words and abusive language. Let everything you say and what comes from your mouth be good and encouraging so that what you say will be healthy and helpful to others. Let those who have ear to hear hear and help others.
29] Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers. [30] And grieve not the holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption.
What Does Ephesians 4:29 Mean? ►
Let no unwholesome word proceed from your mouth, but only such a word as is good for edification according to the need of the moment, so that it will give grace to those who hear.
Ephesians 4:29
Verse Thoughts
We are not simply to read God’s Word and study its content in order to expand our knowledge of Scripture. We have a positive responsibility to obey His Word and apply it in our everyday life, for when we walk in the unity of the Spirit and live in holiness of heart, we mature in the faith, grow in grace, and produce the fruit of humility, patience, gentleness, and love.
From the moment we are regenerated, the old self-life is to be put off and should remain nailed to the Cross… and we are to ‘put on the new’. We become a new man with a new life – the in-breathed life of the risen Lord Jesus Christ. We are declared righteous by God, made part of His new creation, become a member of Christ mystic Body, and are covered with His perfect righteousness.
We have a duty to obey God’s Word – so that we mature in the faith and are progressively conformed into the image and likeness of the lovely Lord Jesus. Just as our ‘old man’ followed the sinful ways of the world, so the ‘new man’ is to walk in the way of righteousness and live in the truth of His Word.
To help us actively put off the old man and put on the new, Paul exhorts us to live in a certain way and adopt certain godly attitudes and behaviours, while abstaining from things that are carnal and fleshly. He exhorts us to rid ourselves of wordly vices and stop deceiving, defrauding, or harming others. We are to avoid sinning when anger rises in our heart and deal with wrong motives and harmful emotions speedily.
We are to refrain from selfishness and stealing and we are to work hard so we are able to bless others for the sake of Christ. And in this verse, we are exhorted to speak wholesome words and do good things that encourage and edify others, “Let no unwholesome word proceed from your mouth,” we are instructed, “but only such a word as is good for edification according to the need of the moment – so that it will give grace to those who hear.”
We are to guard our tongue and not allow any corrupt communication to fall from our lips. The words we speak should flow from a heart that is centred on Christ and should minister timely words of grace and encouragement to others. This call to put off unwholesome words and engage in gracious speaking excludes all types of improper language, silly speech, coarse words, and hurtful jestings. But is also includes spreading rumours, participating in gossip, circulating lies, boastful comments, or engaging in scornful or blasphemous speech.
Unwholesome, worthless words are to be replaced by good and gracious speech for a reason… so that others are edified and encouraged by what we say. Ecclesiastes tells us that, “the words of a wise man’s mouth are gracious,” and the book of Proverbs reminds us that, “an appropriate answer brings joy to a person – and a well-timed word is a good thing.” When a word we have spoken has given encouragement to others and meets a timely need, it is a joyful thing, it blesses others, and it honours the Lord.
There are many passages throughout Scripture that remind us that, “pleasant words are pure while the words of a worthless man are like a scorching fire.” Jesus is the supreme example, whose words were pure, timely, holy, and honoured God. We read in Luke, “all were speaking well of Him, and wondering at the gracious words which were falling from His lips,” … and can we ever forget the wonderful words of forgiveness Christ uttered on the Cross?
We are not simply to know what Scripture says, but are to act responsibility and obey the call of God to speak timely words of encouragement which edify the Body, rejoices the heart, give grace to all those who hear
Source: https://dailyverse.knowing-jesus.com/ephesians-4-29
What does Ephesians 4:29 mean?
Paul transitions from a contrast between stealing and hard work (Ephesians 4:28) to contrasting corrupting speech with encouraging speech. In both cases, his intent is to explain how Christians need to make a conscious effort to live differently than in our pre-salvation days. Just as stealing is associated with unbelievers, so also corrupting talk is associated with those who do not know Christ.
Interestingly, Paul specifically indicates that we do indeed have control over what we say: “Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths.” This contradicts the common excuse of “I couldn’t help saying it.” According to the Bible, we are accountable for the words we use (Matthew 12:36). Only a tiny proportion of people suffer from medical conditions which interfere with control of vocabulary. And, even such people can be expected to use whatever control they have, as much as they can. Christians do have control of our words, which are a powerful influence in how the world perceives us.
Instead of using “corrupting” or negative talk, Paul provides two guidelines for how to speak. First, we are to speak in beneficial ways about meaningful things. Second, we are to speak in ways appropriate to the situation we are in. What might be completely acceptable in one circumstance might be rude or unkind in another. The goal is to show grace to those who are listening to our words. We are not supposed to prioritize our own feelings, but make it our intent to help others through our words.
Context Summary
Ephesians 4:17–32 is a valuable, highly practical explanation of how to live out a Christian life. Paul notes the difference between a life wallowing under the power of sin, as opposed to a life thriving in the power of Christ. Christians are called on to ”put away” the things which entangle unbelievers. This includes sins such as malice, slander, commotion, and bitterness. Instead, we should demonstrate a Christ-like attitude of love and forgiveness.
Chapter Summary
Truly understanding saving grace, as Paul explained in prior chapters, is the Christian’s first motivation for living a godly life. Here, Paul encourages believers to live in way which honors that gift. All saved Christians are part of a single, unified family, part of the ”body” of Christ. At the same time, different believers are given different talents. Some are called to positions of leadership and authority. All Christians should turn away from the ”old self” we were prior to being saved. Paul’s explanation of the ”new self” includes some basic, practical steps
The Consequences of Sin
Genesis 3:14-19
Christians tend to categorize sins, rating some as small and inconsequential, but others as huge and far-reaching in the damage they cause. In reality, no one sins in isolation. Each disobedience to God affects not only the sinner but also countless others in both the present and the future.
If we were to separate Adam and Eve’s sin from its context, few of us would convict them of great transgression. All they did was swallow some fruit from a tree with a “do not eat” sign. Today people think nothing of ignoring commands even biblical ones.
But God has a totally different view of our sins. Each one is followed by negative consequences. Adam and Eve’s disobedience led to pain and frustration in two basic areas of fulfillment relationships and meaningful work. The whole earth fell under sin’s curse, and every person born since then has entered the world with a sin nature that alienates each one from the Lord.
That first rebellion plunged humanity into a terrible condition. Civilization is now plagued by countless ramifications of the innumerable sins committed by human beings throughout the ages. Is it any wonder the world is in such sad shape? Sin not only causes suffering; it robs us of God’s best. The Garden of Eden is closed and locked to sinful mankind.
The good news of Christ’s grace and forgiveness is our only real hope in this fallen world. Though unpleasant, focusing on sin’s consequences is necessary at times to remind us of the greatness of our salvation and to move us to obey God, even in the small things. Each obedience is huge to Him.
By Pastor Luke
The Coming Is Sooner Than You think
For no one knows a time or place and no one knows the way but it is here and time to prepare before you can’t I only wish blessings and love upon you all and if you want to know how to come to the father there is still time before it is too late and to learn how to do so I invite you to the steps of faith page on our site I created titled
https://hevnswtangels.wordpress.com/
For God Listenze and hears all that you speak
Hear this
See this
And proclaim this tonight verbally and in your ear for the time is upon us and more than near
Psalm 130:5
New Living Translation
5
I am counting on the Lord;
yes, I am counting on him.
I have put my hope in his word
I am hoping for and counting on the Lord to walk beside me and with me as he always has in faith since I was a child I have been in specific situations to have healing affect on certain situations and my favorite hymn has always been eye on the sparrow and I come to the garden
Favorite scripture has always been psalm 139 and Hebrews 11 which talk about the beginning of the unformed body in the mother’s womb and a story of faith in my picture I wear a hat faith over fear that is my testimony sentence as I lived a life of sexual abuse and beatings and rapes my first time introduced in sex being a rape through it I lived the rest of my life in fear especially of the unknown in sex I lived life as a scared rebellious child because it’s how I was traumatized so I would give in out of fear to the act of sex in fear of hurt and pain again of being hurt or raped my family couldn’t take my rebel in me especially my mom as she and i spoke of the rebel in me and how I was different and had to live by faith for who o was yet I never believed so she sent me with my dad off to a National Youth Conference in hopes of someone releasing my rebellion not knowing what I had actually been through of being raped multiple times my virginity taken the first time in the crucifixion style rape I rebelled about going to Colorado to this conference and so my parents in their dismay actually physically forced me onto the bus to go away not in abuse but very stern
It was the climax of my life
I can not tell you the woman who spoke that very day but she spoke on drugs, abuse and rape and I mocked each speaker as they stood and claimed there prayers and preachings till she came up and began her speech I stopped intensely my words and laughter I had and actually felt inclined in pull to listen to what she had to say as she spoke immediately uncontrollably I began to cry I was standing at the time and fell suddenly to my knees in Wales of cries so weak I could not have held myself if I had tried as I had she offered for all to come to one anointer or another anointer for a blessing and anointing
I had never been witness or exposed to that yet at that time but felt compelled to go where I was being drawn and compelled me to go I went to the team member standing there in fear of the unknown of what shall come and as the human can not remember if male or female anointed me I again fell into my knees weak only this time again in loud boasting tears I cried I felt a presence flow like water over and throughout my body as the Holy Spirit flowed within me and baptized me as well that day the rest of the day I stayed to myself unsure of what I had been through in a week I returned home and was no longer a rebel that’s when I opened up for the first time to anyone about my rapes and allowing myself out of fear to give in to other men the same and spoke myself as a teen in need of a final release I went to my pastor at Green Tree Church of The Brethren as had been told and I sat alone with him for about 2 hrs as we spoke and expressed to him that I wanted to become a member of the church he assured me that could be done as he prepared for me to go through classes to become a member and if willing a baptism as well
I started attending these classes and was asked to give up three things in covenant to God
1. Sex
2. Foul and vulgarity of my lips
3. Drinking and smoking to release stress
That was how my story began
I released those three things in covenant to open my spirit for what was next in my fear and faith walk
Luke I know when you read this you’re gonna cry for I haven’t begun to tell you my entire testimony yet only pieces along the way
June of 1994 I was saved and baptized by faith in the unbelievers and unknown of the Holy Spirit and faith in Christ I never felt worthy enough until I began to understand my journey in faith
In 1998 or 1999 I had a vision in a small group in Birmingham Alabama where I attended a mission faith trip to rebuild a single mother house completely demolished by a hurricane and she survived with her two children huddled in a small tub while the house was ripped from around her so while I was in this small group I envisioned I was going to have no offense meant to anyone in this but I was told and envisioned I was going to become pregnant with a black baby it was specifically spoke that way to me no offense meant I’m all love I burst out at the leader in question for I did not understand as I had given that part of my life up and had no known boyfriend I was extremely upset and questioned it and my faith and myself for I knew the word I spoke out loud to God and claimed as my faithfulness to Christ we were in Alabama for about two weeks longer and when I returned home I was still puzzled by this revelation I was given upon my life though I went about living out each day in life as if I may be wrong in what I thought and thought I had heard not to mention where I had heard it from in 1999 I began pregnant with a black mans baby unknowingly and I don’t recall what or how it conspired however the revelation became reality though what I was unaware to know was that I would not have a living life with that child in 1999 at 6 n a half months pregnant the baby’s heart stopped several doctors examined me one after another to confirm the child’s death in my womb and eventually they sent me in for an emergency DNE to be done to remove the deceased fetus I cried for I felt it was a gift and had drawn close and attached playing music to it and talking with it in the womb they said it was to be a little girl however I never saw the infant so the only closure I could bring was to find a name which became Katrina Amber-Renee as I was still unwed at the time I conceived she was to have been born in the millennium prediction date of January 11, 2000 after I lost her I was sad but also blessed because the man left me because he could not deal with the loss though I was not aware of that being the reason at the time for he had not told me or seen me after that for about 6 years when he finally confronted me the reason he left. In 2001 I went for two months to Taize France on a in depth faith and discipline study where I had many miracles happen we were to perform a detailed and in depth with God fasting and I felt again not good enough to perform this as I already had not eaten anything so I prayed fervent prayers and said Father you know the intimate fasting I have to do starting tonight for 7 days I can not do it I am already so weak and frail in need your guidance and offerings and blessing to be given to me if I truly must go on with this and before I began to open my eyes and finish the prayer a women came from behind me to right side of me and tapped my on the shoulder asking if I wanted her apple and bread and milk I think speechless and frail I sheepishly believed and said yes please
I than continued to put stuff onto my tray to get ready to eat my last meal I had for the day but noticed I still wouldn’t have enough food for how I was feeling already so as I lay the last item in my hand to pray over the food for blessing once more from the left side came another younger women all jubilant and such and said do you need some extra meal to eat and as she finished her question a white dove flew over my head and looking at me from above the beam on my head she was gone I never even saw her go again stunned and in shock I arranged the food and tray and began to pray over it in request of health and blessing I had more than enough to eat that night and had become fully satisfied in health body and nourishment that I fasted that whole week.
I had a spiritual bonding that night as I felt the waking of the Holy Spirit within me again I later in two months returned home and eventually went off to Valley Forge Christian College in PhoenixVille Pa and Eastern Christian College in St David’s Pa and while I was at VFCC I sang in the choir and the one day a college student friend of me in tears asked us to pray over her I was asked to present the prayer because of my faith I bashfully denied and said I couldn’t I wasn’t but only a beginner walker however I ended up doing the prayer and she immediately having the same reaction I had had when I was saved burst boastfully into tears and weeping and proclaiming she could feel differently and that she was blessed and healing from what was bothering her inner spirit she hugged me in the days when you could hug and thanked me great fully I left and moved back from college to later times when I went through the assault and rapes of my ex and became pregnant with 3 separate pregnancies one born in February 12,2005 BrieAnna Elizabeth Palmer who I remained in active labor with for 3 hours
Sarah Danielle Palmer born January 28,2006 the two of them being Irish twins and then Jaimie Lynne Palmer on April 13,2008 I had gone through the assault by his family to me in 2015 and because I had suffered a severe concussion and then a laceration of the head and as well as a TBI and bp heart and speech issue I mentally was unstable as well as had no place of my own to live any the time as where I was living was in my grandmother’s house hoarded and cluttered Mildred S Nagele (Spang) -Mary Magdalene my mother’s mom and the children youth and families got called on me and said I was homeless no finances and mentally unstable at the time and ripped the kids away from me giving them to the very family that had done this to me and had killed me that day while I was trying to make a call to 911 and while on the phone passed out and had my near death experience
While in the experience a man had been standing in the experience and asked me what is our next move what shall be done now you have a choice you may stay or you may go back and although I felt safe and peace filled there most beautiful place I had been I said frantically no I must go I need to go my kids need me and was unaware they were in the process of being taken but knew that I had no one and that meant they had no one I said sir please my kids need me I have to return back to them and immediately I was back in my body on earth back trying to speak on the 911 call while they were still in my care I had a vision as I woke up about that I was Jesus I frantically argued and cried and said no lord why this can not be that is you not me and I asked Luke and Shane about how this could be and we all agreed I was panicking until I found in my grandmother’s stuff that paperwork I sent to him to review and see if he believed and agreed with me with that my grandmother was Mary of Magdalene and yet in me I still only believed I was only still an Angel and let myself stay living that these days I have since healed others as well and changed suicidal to death giving them a different outlook for life back to life options instead that is the story of Wolfie and how we met we met over the internet in high school 35 yrs ago now and have never met in life but through pictures and he had just lost his mother and his most intimate bond and came into my chat room ready to kill himself and take his life knowingly was wrong and he had more to do and I stayed with him Counceling and praying over him both of us in tears as it was when I had just lost Katrina as well for 26 hrs give or take I stayed by his side bringing him back to life in his mental attitude and spirit within and now I face death for a charge I did not do and though I was scared I do not fear anymore for I know God is there waiting for me and I wait till it is God’s perfect time I love Shane with my whole heart he as well refocused me as we refocused each other through the journey together and I love each of them in their own special ways for we grew as a family for me as I had no family as Jenny though still have some family as Jennifer L Palmer but I have seen my destiny that lies before me and it looks dark but you all must know through it you each are loved by him The Father God and now I just wait for what be our fate as Luke and both face fates together and I just wait for what it is in God’s time which brings me to the conclusion of the beginning to the end that
I am counting on the Lord;
yes, I am counting on him.
I have put my hope in his word
and hope for him to be near for my faith has always been live and strong and it’s that which overlooked Shane trying to kill himself that day and see the faith he did have left within that changed his life and made me forever Angel Jenny as well as the name I held
Seeing the world through an Angels eyes.
— Read on hevnswtangel.com/
Seeing the world through an Angels eyes.
— Read on hevnswtangel.com/
War Room. 1,436,574 likes · 1,867 talking about this. Available now on Blu-ray and DVD, War Room is the long-awaited new movie from the Kendrick…
— Read on m.facebook.com/warroomthemovie/
To Grow Spiritually, You Need Other People – One Soul Journey
— Read on onesoulsjourney.wordpress.com/2021/06/08/to-grow-spiritually-you-need-other-people/amp/
Today’s blog
I Am Not Ashamed Of The Gospel
For the which cause I also suffer these things: nevertheless I am not ashamed: for I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that he is able to keep that which I have committed unto him against that day. ( 2 Timothy 1:12).
Reflection
Of course God is able-with the unsurpassed power of His mighty hand-to guard our souls for all eternity! No matter the storm that assails us, we need never fear our eternal destiny will be capsized in a sea of torment. How wonderful His lovingkindness! Let us not stand in shame of the Lord who bought us, but rather, rejoice in the wonder of His glorious Gospel!
Sow In Tears Reap In Joy
They that sow in tears shall reap in joy. (Psalms 126:5)
Reflection:
How true it is that though we presently toil under a curse, sowing in tears upon this earth, it is in our hope of heavenly promise that we bask, joyful and content. Our earthly suffering is for but a moment! And truly-it is even now working for us who believe, a far and exceeding weight of glory! Rejoice, therefore, in the sweat of your brow and the pain in your side for these do but serve to focus your eyes heavenward to the consuming glory of promise!
He Renews Our Strength
He giveth power to the faint; and to [them that have] no might he increaseth strength. Even the youths shall faint and be weary, and the young men shall utterly fall: But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew [their] strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; [and] they shall walk, and not faint. (Isaiah 40:29-31)
Reflection:
Though we struggle to walk in the light and grow weary in the work of the Lord, our gracious Father is always there to renew us in His strength and power. By the might of God’s word, we are encouraged and brought to a place of rest in His wonderful peace and love.
The Children Of God
Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God: therefore the world knoweth us not, because it knew him not. (1 John 3:1)
Reflection:
Did you know that you are loved by the Creator of the Universe? Regardless of who we are, God loves us and is willing to adopt us as sons and daughters. All we have to do is allow Jesus to be our Lord. Do not be surprised if people mock you once you become a believer. They do not understand God’s love for them, and therefore, cannot understand your love for God.
He Who Believes
Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me, the works that I do shall he do also; and greater [works] than these shall he do; because I go unto my Father. (John 14:12)
Reflection
The indwelling of the Holy Spirit allows the believer the privilege of greater works to honour the omnipotent and loving God. How sweet and wonderful is the life of the believer who trusts in the risen Saviour. Simply having the faith of a mustard seed allows us to do wonderful things for the glory and honour of Christ. Not only will we have the power to do the wonders of Christ found in the New Testament, but we also will be able to do other incredible miracles. As believers, we will see God’s goodness and greatness in the work He does through us. May all glory and honour go unto Him forever and ever.
In A Twinkling Of An Eye
Behold, I shew you a mystery; We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed, In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed. For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal [must] put on immortality. So when this corruptible shall have put on incorruption, and this mortal shall have put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written, Death is swallowed up in victory. O death, where [is] thy sting? O grave, where [is] thy victory? The sting of death [is] sin; and the strength of sin [is] the law. But thanks [be] to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord. (1 Corinthians 15:51-58)
Reflection:
In an instant, the saints of the Christian faith will be caught up in the air to meet their Lord in wonderful glory. What an incredible picture of the church ascending to their glorious home at the long anticipated trumpet trill! Indeed, the victory over death and sin is evident through the return of Christ and we shall reign with Him forevermore. This promise of hope and everlasting life only brings us to a place of great thanksgiving to our beautiful Saviour.
Death is defeated
O death, where is your victory?
O death, where is your sting?
For sin is the sting that results in death, and the law gives sin its power. But thank God! He gives us victory over sin and death through our Lord Jesus Christ.
So, my dear brothers and sisters, be strong and immovable. Always work enthusiastically for the Lord, for you know that nothing you do for the Lord is ever useless. (1 Corinthians 15:55-58)
Reflection:
Death defeated! The Law stripped of power! No longer crushed beneath the fell weight of the curse! Praise the Lord that the resurrection of Christ has secured your own resurrection, O people of the Almighty! Hell can hold no victory over you, O believer, for you are a child of the Most High, made into a new creation. Perfect! Righteous! Clothed exquisitely and adorned in beauty befitting the bride of Christ Himself! Christ has cleansed you unto righteousness, so go forth in that righteousness, steadfast, immovable, and always abounding in the good work that all God’s children desire!
The Suffering Servant
The Prophecies Jesus Fulfilled in Isaiah 53
The prophecy technically starts at the tail end of Isaiah 52 but takes up the whole of Isaiah 53. Let’s break the prophetic verses down and show how Jesus’ life matched these:
Isaiah 53:2 talks about how this suffering servant had no beauty or majesty to attract others to him. Although Jesus was likely not deformed in appearance, he wasn’t the most beautiful human being to walk the earth.
Isaiah 53:3 discusses how mankind despised and rejected this servant. In the same way, Jesus’ audience rejected him because his message was too difficult to digest, and eventually killed him for it.
Isaiah 53:4-5 Through his suffering, he takes our place and heals us. This really wouldn’t work in terms of the Old Testament prophets. Although they did suffer, Israel wasn’t healed by their wounds. Alternatively, by Jesus’ wounds, we are healed.
Isaiah 53:7 He doesn’t open his mouth in the face of execution. When on trial, Jesus doesn’t answer (Matthew 27:14) any of the charges.
Isaiah 53:9 Assigned a grave with the wicked and in the rich with his death. He dies alongside two thieves (the wicked), but Joseph of Arimathea buried him in a tomb (the rich).
The passage goes on, each highlighting Christ’s life first, but Isaiah 53 makes it clear that no one else fulfills the role of suffering servant quite like Jesus did.
Could it Be Someone Else?
Not likely. Many Jewish scholars struggle with this passage because it clearly points to Jesus. Although they’ve offered other contenders such as Isaiah, Jeremiah, or even the Jewish people. After all, throughout their history, Jews have been despised and rejected.
However, none of the contenders appear to fit the substitutionary roles the suffering servant plays. None of those contenders can heal us by their wounds and restore us to God.
Why Does This Matter?
Fulfilled prophecies matter. If someone predicts something hundreds of years before an event takes place, the odds of that happening by a mere guess are astronomical. Let alone all the prophecies that point to Jesus in the Old Testament.
This passage in particular matters because Isaiah lived during 700-600 BC. These prophecies took place 600-700 years before Christ came to earth. If even just one of them came true, the odds would be astronomical, let alone this passage.
This passage also gives us insight into Jesus’ life and his work on the cross. We can read and appreciate just how much he has done for us.
This passage also leaves the Old Testament readers with no excuse. Jesus made it obvious that he was the suffering servant. Even if people never read the New Testament, they can see from the example Jesus gave that no one matches the Suffering Servant quite as well as he does.
Rom 12:2
col 1:10 2:13
Eph 4:22-23
Matt 16:13-17
1 Corinthians 5:17
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