This Lent, join us for our weekly devotional series in Isaiah 52-55.
As we journey towards Easter, discover the wonder of Jesus as promised in Isaiah more than 700 years before Jesus’ birth. Join us in exploring how the Old Testament points to the suffering servant who died for our sins and be amazed afresh by the beauty of the cross.
You can read Acts 8:26-39 here, and you can read Isaiah 52-55 here.
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On the desert road from Jerusalem to Gaza, the Ethiopian eunuch is in turmoil.
Usually, he oozes prestige. Erudite and religious, he’s used to advising and negotiating in the royal court. But on this day, he’s rattled – and not just by the rough journey. He reads again the ancient words of Isaiah and sees a lamb led to slaughter, an unjust death, a blurred image of a mystery man…
Pulse racing, he’s gripped by the powerful imagery. There’s something deeper, something profound in these words, but what!? Frustrated and bewildered, he’s desperate for more.
Notice how, as the Spirit of God nudges Philip forward, so He also humbles the eunuch to swing open the chariot door and welcome him in. A divine orchestration.
Has God brought you into the life of someone seeking more?
The next scene is both unbelievable and comfortingly familiar. Through the carriage window we see the Bible opened up between two very different men, smashing barriers of culture, race, and status – as surely only the gospel can.
Philip starts where the eunuch left off, but this time Isaiah’s slaughtered lamb has a name – Jesus. And as Philip walks him through the life, death and resurrection of Christ, everything slides into crisp focus. The ancient words of Isaiah come alive in the person of Jesus, each line bursting with promise and hope.
The eunuch’s eyes are opened, and his response is pure, unfiltered joy. Leaping from his carriage into the dust, he hurries Philip towards some water, eager to begin a new life with Jesus, the lamb who died to set him free.
One unlikely meeting, one gospel conversation, an eternal impact.
How does this challenge the way we think about the power of God’s Word?
How might this change the way we talk to our friends about Jesus?
It’s over 2,700 years since the book of Isaiah was written, but Truth doesn’t change. The gospel still gilds every line of God’s Word, and through reading it, we meet Jesus. This Lent, as we follow in the Ethiopian eunuch’s footsteps and grapple with Isaiah, let’s pray that we too will come humbly, see Jesus clearly, and be left rejoicing.
Heavenly Father, thank You for Your Word that reveals the truth about Jesus. As we study the book of Isaiah this Lent, open our eyes to see your Son more clearly, and deepen our understanding of your love for us. Help us to share this good news with others, just as Philip did. In Jesus' name, Amen. In Jesus' name,
Amen.
This devotional series has been written by members of UCCF Staff. This week's comes from Jo Auterson, Communications Manager.
How might our world measure someone’s glory?
Their status? Security? Recognition? Influence? Wealth?
As we journey further into Lent, and the start of Isaiah’s servant song in chapters 52-53, we’ll see that God’s definition of glory is about as far from ours as we can get.
Our introduction to the Lord’s servant probably fits our expectations, in verse 13. The language of exalting, or raising up, rings of honour and recognition. ’Of course,’ we might think, ’God’s chosen servant would be treated well!’
But we’re likely unprepared for what comes next.
Verse 14 is a jarring contrast – a wrenching discord at the start of this song. Personally, I find these some of the most painful words in the Bible:
’…his appearance was so disfigured beyond that of any human being
and his form marred beyond human likeness…’
How is God’s servant treated? So violently, brutally rejected as to become totally unrecognisable as another human being.
What an horrific fate for any person.
But especially God’s servant - raised up, rejected, and suffering… Are we not led to the foot of Jesus’s cross? Perhaps, as we see him there, we wonder; surely this isn’t the kind of ‘lifting up’ that Isaiah had in view – Christ himself, raised up on a torture instrument?
How could this be glorifying to God?
And yet, in God’s forever plan, it is exactly what he had in mind.
As he tells his disciples, Jesus knew exactly how his earthly life would culminate. Lifted up not to recognition, but rejection.
The only human being who doesn’t deserve condemnation, condemned!
So… why?
Isaiah 52:14 shows us; to 'sprinkle many nations.'
This is the language of atonement, drawing from the Passover lamb – its sprinkled blood shielding God’s people from his judgement, as he killed Egypt’s firstborn for persistent sin.
And here, we see Jesus shedding his blood to deliver people from judgement for their own sin. And not just from among the Hebrews, but, incredibly, in John’s words – from all peoples!
The nations - formerly enemies of God, unable and unwilling to worship him - now offered forgiveness and right relationship through the risen Christ.
And that is us, if we trust in him! We are shielded from this judgement, because Christ has paid the debt of our sin in full. What incredible sacrifice.
As eyes are lifted to the cross, Jesus is exalted! What looked like defeat, like dishonour, was in fact his crowning victory, as he declared, ‘It is finished.’
Does he not deserve our praise?
If you don’t yet trust Jesus – do you want to know more about this servant, who suffered in your place?
If you are trusting Jesus – how does Isaiah’s depiction of his sacrifice help you to exalt him in your heart?
Let us all, praise ’the Lamb of God, who takes away the sins of the world!’
Heavenly Father,
We thank you so much for Jesus, your Son and servant, who suffered so horribly in our place. We are sorry for the ways we do not honour Him as he deserves. Thank you that He willingly gave Himself as a sacrifice for our sins, so that people of all nations might worship you as Lord. Please help us lift him up in our hearts and lives this Lent, and always.
In his name,
Amen.
This devotional series has been written by members of UCCF Staff. This week's comes from Tom Banks, Finance Administrator.