Monday March 29, 2021

Today’s Reading: Isaiah 42:1-9

“Here is my servant, whom I uphold, my chosen one in whom I delight; I will put my Spirit on him, and he will bring justice to the nations.

Isaiah 42:1

Reflection: The city of Jerusalem questioned Jesus’ triumphant entry into the city through a crowd exclaiming shouts of ‘Hosanna.’ They were disturbed that a prophet from Nazareth would be hailed as Messiah. Likewise, the money changers’ and vendors’ tables and wares displayed in the temple courts were overturned by the Lord. Jesus drove them out and called them thieves. The Lord’s ministry was nearing its end, and as Jesus approached the completion of His work, He was met with more and more resistance from the people of Jerusalem. Who was this man from Galilee Who claimed to be sent from God?

The words of the prophet Isaiah written centuries prior to Jesus’ birth contain within it the answer that had been prepared for them since the beginning of time: “Here is my Servant, Whom I uphold, my Chosen One in Whom I delight; I will put my Spirit on Him, and He will bring justice to the nations.” This man from Galilee had indeed come to earth to fulfill God’s Promise to His people. Just as He knew of His death on the Cross, Jesus foresaw that the people would not recognize Him. He knew that those He had come to save would reject His Divine ability, His Sovereignty, and Kingship. And yet, at the same time, God willed that the rejection of the Son of Man would redeem humanity. The hope of the Resurrection shines brightest against the sorrow of the Cross, and by the Cross we are reminded that our Lord Jesus Christ chose to be His Father’s Servant for our sake. The LORD, the Creator of the heavens Himself takes hold of us through His Son and frees us from the bonds of sin and darkness.

Prayer: Almighty God, thank You for Your great plan of salvation which You foretold long ago. Thank You for working a way for me to be freed from sin. Thank You for Your redemption and grace that I rest in because of what you have done for me through Your Son Jesus Christ. Forgive me for the times I forget the significance and weight of Your Sovereignty and Your unique ability to work together all things for Your Will and Purpose. Please keep me from being like those Who spoke against You. Please keep me from questioning Your Rule. Help me to be focused on trusting You more completely. You deserve my faithfulness, Lord. I pray all of these things in Jesus’ Name, AMEN.

Thru the Bible in a year (credit: Biblestudytools.com): Ephesians 4:1-16; Ezekiel 10-11; Isaiah 42