45 TRIUMPH THROUGH SUFFERING F O O T ================================

• H O L D

READING

45 TRIUMPH THROUGH SUFFERING

PRAY Prepare my heart and mind to worship you, Lord God.

READ Isaiah 52:13-53:12.

THINK List the sentences in this passage which most remind you of Jesus.

FOCUS We are on holy ground as we read another of the servant songs. Isaiah was inspired to write these words 700 years before Christ’s birth, but the New Testament makes it clear that they are about the Lord Jesus (Matthew 8:17; Acts 8;32-35). ‘MY SERVANT WILL SUCCEED’ (13-15). There will be suffering (14), but in the end there will be victory (15). God never fails in his ultimate purpose for the world. We may frustrate him by our disobedience and disbelief but remember, the Bible which starts with the Book of Genesis ends with the Book of Revelation. A lovely world spoilt by people (Genesis 3), but in the end a new world made by God (Revelation 21). ‘WHO WOULD HAVE BELIEVED?’ (1-3). think of how God came to the earth in the person of Jesus, lived an obscure life for thirty years, had a short ministry of three years and endured tremendous suffering at the hands of evil people. Is this the way we would have accomplished salvation for everyone, if we had been in charge of the universe? ‘BECAUSE OF OUR SINS’ (4-6). How personal these three verses are. What happened when Christ died and how should this affect our lives in the future (see 1 Peter 2:24)? ‘HE NEVER SAID A WORD’ (7-9). Look at the trial of Jesus (Mark 15:5; Luke 23:9). Jesus had such a relationship with his heavenly Father that he knew when to speak and when to be silent (see 1 Peter 2:23). May we be so aware of God’s guidance that we too may know when and when not to speak. —————————————————————- PRAY Take time to allow the phrases in this chapter to sink into your mind. Let them lead you in worship. ===========