Crushed

Some “through the Bible” thoughts from Isaiah 53.

There’s so much in Isaiah 53. I’ve read it so many times. I could write a whole series of devotions on just this chapter. And some day I will. This time I paused at these words

“It was the will of the Lord to crush him” (Isaiah 53:10).

Did those prophetic words echo in Jesus’s mind in Gethsemane when he prayed, “Not my will, but yours, be done” (Luke 22:42)? Absolutely. He knew his task was to fulfill scripture. He knew the Father’s will. He knew the plan.

Jesus knew he would be crushed for our iniquities (Isaiah 53:5).

I wonder what Isaiah thought about this description of God’s servant? A servant of God should be honored and celebrated. In Jesus’s parables, faithful servants are rewarded. Yet the ultimate servant, the Christ, will be stricken, smitten, afflicted, pierced, and crushed for our sin (Isaiah 53:4,5). For my sin.

I underestimate what Jesus suffered for me. I take it for granted. God forgives me; it’s all good. I just leave out the crushed part. Crushed like those who didn’t make it out of the World Trade Center on September 11. Crushed like someone in a mineshaft that collapsed. Crushed like someone who rolled their car into a ditch. Horrible way to die, right?

Can you imagine what it would be like to be Jesus and read Jeremiah 29:11, “I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord.” Do you think Jesus would want to see those words on a cake, t-shirt, or coffee mug?