“DESPISED AND REJECTED!”

Isaiah 53:3-10                                    (ESV)

“3 HE was “DESPISED AND REJECTED” by men, a man of sorrows and acquainted with grief; and as ONE from whom men hide their faces HE was despised, and we esteemed HIM not. 

4 Surely HE has borne our griefs and carried our sorrows; yet we esteemed HIM stricken, smitten by GOD, and afflicted. 

5 But HE was pierced for our transgressions; HE was crushed for our iniquities; upon HIM was the chastisement that brought us PEACE, and with HIS wounds we are healed. 

6 All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned-every one-to his own way; and the LORD has laid on HIM the iniquity of us all. 

7 HE was oppressed, and HE was afflicted, yet HE opened not HIS mouth; like a lamb that is led to the slaughter, and like a sheep that before its shearers is silent, so HE opened not HIS mouth. 

8 By oppression and judgment HE was taken away; and as for HIS generation, who considered that HE was cut off out of the land of the living, stricken for the transgression of my people? 

9 And they made HIS grave with the wicked and with a rich man in HIS death, although HE had done no violence, and there was no deceit in HIS mouth. 

10 Yet it was the will of the LORD to CRUSH HIM; HE has put HIM to grief; when HIS soul makes an offering for guilt, HE shall see HIS offspring; HE shall prolong HIS days; the will of the LORD shall prosper in HIS hand.”

It seems that we all have a desire to be ACCEPTED.  Whether it’s having someone verbally agree with us, or simply smiling and nodding when you pass them, acknowledging that others are “of worth” is a trait that we all could probably do a better job of in our lives.  The Spiritual gift of encouragement (or exhortation) is one that I want to do better in, but it isn’t something that ALMIGHTY GOD hasn’t chosen to GIFT me with, as of YET!  

When I consider that my LORD and SAVIOR JESUS CHRIST came to earth and was “DESPISED AND REJECTED” by all mankind, it astounds me.  As much as I admit to loving HIM now, why wouldn’t at least HIS disciples stand with HIM in HIS plight for righteousness?  Didn’t HE deserve someone who would STAND with HIM?  I’ve always thought that I would have gladly went to my death for JESUS?  That, however, would be directly opposed to what Isaiah wrote almost 2,800 years ago. GOD said that JESUS would be “DESPISED AND REJECTED” by man, and even Peter (considered by most to be one of HIS most loyal followers) denied HIM three times!  

ALMIGHTY GOD had a Plan for JESUS’ life, and HE has a plan for our lives.  As for me, I deserve death, but JESUS went to Calvary in my place to REDEEM me!  Why???  John 3:16 says “For GOD SO LOVED.......”! GOD permitted JESUS to be “DESPISED AND REJECTED” by this world so I would have fellowship with HIM through the atonement offered by and through HIS SON.  To be CHOSEN by GOD, to be CALLED OUT of the darkness into HIS marvelous light is amazing, especially when HE was “DESPISED AND REJECTED” all for me!    

#blessed