Isaiah 52:13-15

We come now to the last of the “Servant Songs” of Isaiah (52:13-53:12).  It is undoubtedly the most familiar one for Christians.  In it we see Jesus Christ portrayed with a precision that rivals the eyewitnesses themselves.  In 52:13-15 there is an overview of the entire Song.  

Let us review our study of Isaiah to this point.  Having predicted chastening for Israel for their obstinate idolatry, God speaks comfort to Israel, that the judgment is not the end of the story.  The emphasis in Isa. 1-37 on the immediate tool of God’s chastening (the Assyrians) has given way to the Babylonian tormentors (Isa. 38-39), the world power which will not be on the rise for another 100 years.  God’s anointed deliverer is specified by name as Cyrus (44:28; 45:1).  

In the second section (Ch. 49-57), the prophet is moved far beyond Babylon to a time when Israel’s restoration will not only be to a revitalized land but a revitalized people.  It’s not just salvation but salvation and righteousness; it’s not just temporal deliverance but salvation that is forever, and righteousness that will not be abolished (51:6,8).  The Servant is critical, not only because He reigns as David’s Son, but as the Savior and Redeemer of Israel (49:26).  And more than that, He is a light to bring salvation to the Gentiles (49:6).

Thus this magnificent prophecy of the “Suffering Servant” that graces our minds and hearts from Isa. 52-53 should be expected.  There must be such a One.  Nevertheless it is difficult for most to grasp.  The Servant shall be exalted and extolled and be very high (52:13).  Yet, astonishingly, His visage was marred more than any man, and His form more than the sons of men (52:14).  When this is unfolded in history it will be amazing to all who see it (52:15).

In fact what we have here is the “conundrum” of the prophets, spoken of by Peter (1 Pt. 1:10-12).  They could not bring together how the Messiah would suffer and yet be exalted.  Today there is a popular teaching among Jews that there will be 2 Messiahs, one who suffers and dies, and another who reigns.  But when Peter says this, he is saying, “We know how the suffering and glory reside in one Messiah because we have seen Jesus Christ, Yeshua Ha-Mashiach, the Anointed Savior.”  He is the soon-to-be exalted Suffering Servant.

Remember that the goal of history is not the cross; it is the exaltation of Christ (Psalm 110:1-2).  The cross was the end of His humiliation.  But then God began His exaltation.  There is no exaltation, no salvation for Israel or the nations, apart from the cross.  It is the focal point of history but not the end of the story.   

If someone were to write the story of our lives, what would be our reason for existence?  If it is not the exaltation of Jesus Christ then we are not in sync with the history.  We are living in a fantasy world.  What are you living for today?