In Awe 

Isaiah 53, post # 1

Who has believed our message? And to whom has the arm of the Lord been revealed? For He grew up before Him like a tender shoot, and like a root out of parched ground; He has no stately form or majesty that we should look upon Him, nor appearance that we should be attracted to Him. 

He was despised and forsaken of men, a man of sorrows and acquainted with grief; and like one from whom men hide their face, He was despised, and we did not esteem Him. Surely our griefs He Himself bore, and our sorrows He carried; Yet we ourselves esteem Him stricken, smitten of God, and afflicted. Isaiah 53:1-4 

In May 1995, the Mel Gibson movie Braveheart was released. I didn’t really know the historical aspects or details of the story but the movie trailer was very intriguing to me. I had one problem, though; Leigh doesn’t like movies with warfare and bloodshed, especially hand-to-hand battles that accentuate the blood. Yuke! So, I went by myself one night and sat in the back row.

As I sat down, I had no idea that I was about to watch the most amazing movie ever produced. It would have a life-long effect upon my life. 

That was nearly 25 years ago but I remember the entire experience quite vividly. I was utterly captivated for the entire three-hour movie. I remember the emotion of each critical scene. I was pierced to the core emotionally and spiritually. I have always been drawn to lessons of leadership, faith and courage and this movie provided me with an experience that heightened those qualities in an unparalleled manner. 

When the movie ended, I sat in my seat unable to move. The theater emptied as I reflected upon the influence of leadership and courage. William Wallace had made quite an impact upon me. If only I could have 1/10 of the courage, leadership and positive impact toward my own life mission that Wallace had for his mission in life. I didn’t want to leave. I sat through the credits and the dim lights finally came on. At that point, I was a little embarrassed and finally left and drove home. 

My story may seem to you a little exaggerated and overly-sappy. I suppose it seems so, but it is the complete truth without embellishment. The movie hit me at a time and place in my life where it affected me at a deep, deep level.

At that time, I was a couple of years into the beginning of my business career in my mid-30’s. I was struggling to learn the basics of business along with learning how to sell (and failing miserably). Our credit card debt was sky-high and we were on the brink of bankruptcy. I had an internal drive to be brave and to exercise leadership in such a way that I would honor and serve God plus succeed in my professional business career. Braveheart struck at the core of all my hopes, dreams and aspirations. 

I tell that story to correlate the recent impact of Isaiah 53 on my life and soul. The influence of Isaiah 53 doesn’t occur at the first reading the way the impact of a movie. It grows each time I dig a little deeper. I love the whole Bible, as I hope you know by now. But Isaiah 53 stands alone and above every other chapter in the Bible. It is the apex of the Old Testament and I’d say, the supreme passage in the entire Bible. It the absolute foremost passage in all of literature. I can’t overstate its immanence. 

I’ve been prayerfully considering going through Isaiah 53 with you for some time. I’ve been hesitant and little scared. I will not come close to doing justice. I’ve resigned to that fact. But let’s go for it anyway.

Now that I’m in, let me say if you’ve never forwarded my blog to anyone else before, I’d humbly say that now is the time as we enter into this holy ground. 

As we conclude today’s writing, please read the words of one of my favorite Bible teachers; 

Christians would do well to reflect on Isaiah 53 more carefully. This prophecy is like a bottomless well of biblical truth. The more we look into it, the more we realize that no human preacher or commentator could ever fully plum its astonishing depths…It is quite simply the most profound revelation of the Savior’s work ever given to any prophet. John MacArthur 

Dear Father, as we approach the holy ground of Isaiah 53, we ask that You grant us wisdom to simply be wowed by Your wonder, Your wisdom and Your grace. Just to be more aware of Your inexplicable majesty would be a beautiful outcome of our study of Isaiah 53. Just to comprehend You more fully is our prayer. Your perfect master-plan of salvation that You extend to us is so amazing, rich and bountiful. May we soak in Your wonder for a few moments this morning, as we pray. All glory be to God always and forever. Amen!