The Suffering Servant

THE SUFFERING SERVANT

Read Isaiah 52:13-53:12

Read Isaiah 52:13-53:12

Surely he has borne our griefs and carried our sorrows. Isaiah 53:4

The fourth Song of the Servant is the one from which the whole group receives its title: Songs of the Suffering Servant. In each of the songs, there is a progressive revelation of the Servant’s suffering that climaxes in the fourth (and what many believe to be the last) Song of the Servant. This passage (Isaiah 52:13-53:12) is considered one of the most magnificent chapters in all the Bible. Martin Luther wrote that this passage “ought to be written on parchment of gold and lettered in diamonds,” and then memorized by every Christian. The Puritan Thomas Manton said that this passage “may rather be called the Gospel than prophecy.”

The passage is wonderfully constructed like a “sandwich.” It comprises five stanzas: 1 and 5 speak of Christ’s glory; 2, 3 and 4 describe Christ’s suffering. Hence the “sandwich” structure of Glory—Suffering—Glory. Or, better yet, Heaven—the Cross— Heaven again.

First, Isaiah tells us about the prosperity of the Messiah. Not apparent to all (v. 14) but true nevertheless, this suffering servant will baptize (“sprinkle”) many nations. The Hebrew could also read “startle” the kings of the nations. Why? Because the unassuming suffering servant would turn out to be the King of Kings and the Lord of Lords.

But for a season, it would look quite the contrary (53:1-9). He would come from a very unspectacular background: carpenter’s home, Nazareth, poor folks, common stock. “Can anything good come out of Nazareth?” (John 1:46). Then, he would be homely, even unattractive. He would not fit the picture in our minds of the conquering hero. As much as a handsome ladies’ man and stud that David was, this Son of David would be the opposite. Third, Jesus would not be esteemed or honored among the Who’s Who of society. He was not held in high regard by most men. He would suffer, almost like a criminal. And He would not display any of the political power, personal charisma or privileged authority you’d expect in a Messiah. In fact, he’d be like a lamb led to slaughter. His weakness in the hour of testing would be…well frankly, quite an embarrassment to his family and disappointment to his followers.

But, to everyone’s surprise, the portion of his reward from God would be incredible (53:10-12)! He will be numbered among the great and enjoy the spoils of God’s warfare. In fact, he will be exalted above every great name. His name will become the name!

Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. (Phil 2:9-11)

This is Isaiah’s description of “the way of the cross.” This is the way of salvation. And what Christ saves us by He saves us to. His atoning life of sacrificial service calls us to a life of that same suffering, sacrifice and service. The privilege of being redeemed is the honor of serving Christ.

I remember when I was a young military officer, a Colonel said to me once: “Ross, a career in the Army can be explained this way: a lifetime of thankless service sandwiched between the glory of commission and retirement.” That is one of the reasons I chose to exit the Army after two years of service. But, lo and behold, I have entered another warfare, as an officer in another army. Now, my life is a life of thankless service sandwiched between justification and glorification. But what a glorious life it is! It is the life of my Master. And, in the end, the benefits are worth the difficulty…glory!

PRAYING FOR THE PCA

AC: Give thanks to the Lord for the PCA and for the vision and calling He has given to so many who serve the Lord through the Committees and Agencies of the church.

CTS: Pray that God will provide funds to cover all of Covenant Seminary’s operating expenses, student scholarships and other needs, so that this ministry may continue to be productive—by His grace and for His glory. (The Seminary’s fiscal year ends on June 30, 2009.)

MTW: Praise God for the recent graduation of over 20 church planters and evangelists serving in South East Asia, who have completed our theological training program over the past three years. Pray that the Lord will protect and sustain them as they encounter much discouragement, opposition and trials. Pray also that their ministries will bear much fruit for the Kingdom.

RUM: RUF seeks to reach students for Christ and to equip them to serve. The Lord is gracious in allowing his children to advance the Kingdom. Pray that this ministry will be kept humble and dependent on the Holy Spirit. Pray that in all decisions and actions, the Gospel of Jesus Christ will be in-working and out-flowing.

RBI: RBI’s purpose is to help PCA employees achieve financial security. Pray that the staff will stay focused on the Core Values and that the Strategic Plan will help RBI to better serve the denominational needs.