ISAIAH 53
This page is a 5 part Sermon series "Loved in Heaven - Hated in Jerusalem"
Loved
in Heaven – Hated in
Jerusalem – part
1
Back in 2019, a brother in the faith told me that when he visited Israel he was nearly arrested when he started to read the 53rd chapter of Isaiah out-loud in the capital city of Jerusalem. I forget what he said regarding how he evaded arrest or if he even stopped preaching that day. All I recalled was how they told him to his face that Isaiah 53, which is actually of their very own Bibles, was considered illegal to share in public, and I am sure they would somehow demand their people would never share in private. Fact is, the Jews hate Jesus so much that their Babylonian Talmud speaks of Him in the most disgusting and vile manner that I cannot repeat it and so I doubt very seriously that even the parents of the children would make sure never to share this chapter as it’s impossible to refute if their child ever questions them on it.
And just 2 days ago I came across a street preacher in Jerusalem who used a different approach on sharing Isaiah 53. He didn’t use a megaphone or even stand on a soapbox to preach as he no doubt knew it could get him in trouble. He actually approached many of the Jews individually and asked them what he was about to read sounded like Old or New Testament. I thought that was very clever of him to do that. All of them said it sounded like the New Testament to them, and when asked why, one said he believed it was the New Testament because it sounded like it was talking about Jesus and another one said it sounded like a man being crucified. Literally all of them were shocked to hear that what he read to them was from the Old Testament that they claim to be inspired.
Now, I have way too many notes on this chapter in my studies to be able to share all of them today as this was a study I did years ago that went on for some time as it is chock full of prophetic facts. But I do believe that which needs to be heard will be heard today, God willing.
As we know, this entire chapter in Isaiah does in fact speak of Jesus Christ as Messiah and that is why Jewish leaders refuse to speak on it, but no, these prophetic facts in the chapter obviously aren’t all the prophecies listed about Jesus coming as Messiah in the Bible for there are well over 350 of them as I last checked. I do share my favorite 100 of them here on the site if anyone’s interested. https://remnantofgod.org/Jesus.htm
That all being said, let’s look at the prophecies of Isaiah 53 has that’s actually more than 12 prophecies. Some of the verses have more than one prophecy in them. But before doing so, notice what was said in YI back in 1900… "This chapter should be studied. It presents Christ as the Lamb of God. Those who are lifted up with pride, whose souls are filled with vanity, should look upon this picture of their Redeemer, and humble themselves in the dust. The entire chapter should be committed to memory. Its influence will subdue and humble the soul defiled by sin and uplifted by self-exaltation." {YI, December 20, 1900 par. 6}
Isaiah 53:1 Who hath believed our report? and to whom is the arm of the LORD revealed?
This verse carries 2 prophecies. And when we look at John 1:10-12, we see both prophecies fulfilled when it says in John 1:10-12, “He was in the world, and the world was made by him, and the world knew him not. (11) He came unto his own, and his own received him not. (12) But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name:”
Did you notice where prophecy #2 was fulfilled? Isaiah asked “to whom is the arm of the LORD revealed” and John just said, “But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God.”
(2) For he shall grow up before him as a tender plant, and as a root out of a dry ground: he hath no form nor comeliness; and when we shall see him, there is no beauty that we should desire him.
Two more prophecies are seen here. The first being about how even the city that Jesus grew up in as a child was not known as the best in the area. This is why it speaks of Jesus "as a root out of a dry ground." That dry ground was not especially blessed of God due to all the sin it was known for. Hence the reason Nathaniel said in John 1:46, "Can there any good thing come out of Nazareth?"
The second prophecy in this verse has to do with the "beauty" that is speaking of worldly and even Heavenly beauty. This was covered up by the Lord so as to not draw men to Him for fleshly reasons. The Truth that brings perfect peace was to affect men’s hearts; not worldly or even heavenly display. But as we also know, Satan often does entice the flesh to this day. He will either use a temptation that appeals to the flesh or he will actually display himself before some political leaders as well as the common man so as to lock them into his charred trophy case wherein he can entice them with his lies that brings them unto eternal damnation. Jesus on the other hand chose not to display Himself in such a way that would seduce the flesh. He sought to cut the hearts of the people that honestly pursued the truth that brings them unto salvation. Jesus covered His majesty so as to approach all of us on our level. As they say, He walked a mile in our shoes. This prophecy was declared fulfilled in Luke 2:7 that says, “And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn.”
"Jesus did not come to the earth in the glory that belonged to him in the courts of heaven. He covered himself with the habiliments of humanity, that he might reveal unto many the mercy and compassion of the Father by coming into the closest relationship with the sons of men. Clothing his divinity with humanity, he took step after step in the path of humiliation, that he might save unto the uttermost all who would come unto God by him. {ST, August 1, 1892 par. 2}
If he had come in the glory of an angel, men could not have endured his brightness; but he came taking upon him the form of a man, in all things made like unto his brethren, tempted in all points like as we are, that he might be a merciful and faithful high priest in things pertaining to God." {ST, August 1, 1892 par. 3}
(3) He is despised and rejected of men; a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief: and we hid as it were our faces from him; he was despised, and we esteemed him not.
"despised and rejected of men" = fulfilled in Luke 16:14, "And the Pharisees also, who were covetous, heard all these things: and they derided him."
"a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief" = easily seen fulfilled when "Jesus wept." John 11:35.
"hid as it were our faces from him" = just as the people couldn't look Moses in the face when he came down from the mountain, the leaders in the faith 2000 years ago hid their faces as well due to how they couldn't refute His truth and so they hid their shame with fabricated anger and ridicule, and so again, as Luke 16:14, "…they derided him."
"esteemed him not" = Again I repeat John 1:10-11 that says, “He was in the world, and the world was made by him, and the world knew him not. (11) He came unto his own, and his own received him not. But it also says in Acts 3:13-14, “The God of Abraham, and of Isaac, and of Jacob, the God of our fathers, hath glorified his Son Jesus; whom ye delivered up, and denied him in the presence of Pilate, when he was determined to let him go. (14) But ye denied the Holy One and the Just, and desired a murderer to be granted unto you;”
The very same mindset is active today. Sister White said "I saw how little the Pattern was studied, how little exalted before them. How little do the young suffer, or deny self, for their religion! To sacrifice is scarcely thought of among them. They entirely fail of imitating the Pattern in this respect. I saw that the language of their lives is: Self must be gratified, pride must be indulged. They forget the Man of Sorrows, who was acquainted with grief. The sufferings of Jesus in Gethsemane, His sweating as it were great drops of blood in the garden, the platted crown of thorns that pierced His holy brow, do not move them. They have become benumbed. Their sensibilities are blunted, and they have lost all sense of the great sacrifice made for them. They can sit and listen to the story of the cross, hear how the cruel nails were driven through the hands and feet of the Son of God, and it does not stir the depths of the soul. {1T 155.1}
She also said, “Yet this glorious Being loved the poor sinner and took upon Himself the form of a servant, that He might suffer and die in man's behalf. Jesus might have remained at His Father's right hand, wearing His kingly crown and royal robes. But He chose to exchange all the riches, honor, and glory of heaven for the poverty of humanity, and His station of high command for the horrors of Gethsemane and the humiliation and agony of Calvary. He became a man of sorrows and acquainted with grief, that by His baptism of suffering and blood He might purify and redeem a guilty world. "Lo, I come," was the joyful assent, "to do Thy will, O My God." {4T 121.1}
But yet, some people will deny Him and receive the mark of the beast for the long cherished “7 Cs” that I like to call them. Do you remember how we listed these “Cs” a few months ago? The reason the majority will receive the mark and blaspheme the Holy Ghost is because of their…
1.Candy bars
2.Cars
3.Careers
4.Cell Phones
5.Cash / Credit
6.Creeds
7.Comfort
(4) Surely he hath borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows: yet we did esteem him stricken, smitten of God, and afflicted.
"Surely he hath borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows" = fulfilled in Matthew 8:17, “That it might be fulfilled which was spoken by Esaias the prophet, saying, Himself took our infirmities, and bare our sicknesses.” & 1 Peter 2:24, “Who his own self bare our sins in his own body on the tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness: by whose stripes ye were healed.”
"yet we did esteem him stricken, smitten of God, and afflicted" = they looked upon Him bleeding and worthy of being condemned by God for claiming to be the Son of God, yet it was for the sins of all those that shouted "crucify Him" that He truly came to die.
John 19:6-7, "When the chief priests therefore and officers saw him, they cried out, saying, Crucify him, crucify him. Pilate saith unto them, Take ye him, and crucify him: for I find no fault in him. (7) The Jews answered him, We have a law, and by our law he ought to die, because he made himself the Son of God."
"He was hunted from place to place; and for what reason? What had he done?--He had healed the sick. He had comforted the desponding. He had lifted up the fallen. He had raised the dead. He had broken the yoke of oppression. He had given rest to the weary and the heavy-laden. He had healed the wounded, and bound up the broken in heart. But he was treated as a malefactor, and suffered reproach and shame. He became poor, that we through his poverty might be made rich. He suffered a shameful death upon the cross of Calvary, that we might have everlasting life. And shall we flatter ourselves that he has done it all, and that we have no sacrifices to make; that we may go on in the path of our own choosing, and yet enter into glory, and have part in that kingdom which he has purchased for us at such infinite cost? Shall we think to be fitted for heaven, while indulging in sin? Only obedience to the requirements of God can elevate man to a place with Christ in his kingdom. As transgression caused the fall and degradation of man, so obedience will lift him up, and purify and ennoble his character.” {RH, October 9, 1888 par. 2}
Loved in Heaven – Hated in Jerusalem – part 2(5) But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed.
"he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities" = was prophesied in Genesis 3:15, "And I will put enmity between thee and the woman, and between thy seed and her seed; it shall bruise thy head, and thou shalt bruise his heel." and then fulfilled in Romans 4:25, "Who was delivered for our offences, and was raised again for our justification."
"the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed" = fulfilled in 1 Peter 2:24, "Who his own self bare our sins in his own body on the tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness: by whose stripes ye were healed."
"Who can comprehend the love here displayed! The angelic host beheld with wonder and with grief Him who had been the Majesty of heaven, and who had worn the crown of glory, now wearing the crown of thorns, a bleeding victim to the rage of an infuriated mob, fired to insane madness by the wrath of Satan. Behold the patient Sufferer! Upon His head is the thorny crown. His lifeblood flows from every lacerated vein. All this in consequence of sin! Nothing could have induced Christ to leave His honor and majesty in heaven, and come to a sinful world, to be neglected, despised, and rejected by those He came to save, and finally to suffer upon the cross, but eternal, redeeming love, which will ever remain a mystery." {2T 207.1}
"What a theme for meditation is the sacrifice that Jesus made for lost sinners! "He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon Him; and with His stripes we are healed." How shall we estimate the blessings thus brought within our reach? Could Jesus have suffered more? Could He have purchased for us richer blessings? Should it not melt the hardest heart when we remember that for our sakes He left the happiness and glory of heaven and suffered poverty and shame, cruel affliction and a terrible death? Had He not by His death and resurrection opened for us the door of hope, we should have known nothing but the horrors of darkness and the miseries of despair. In our present state, favored and blessed as we are, we cannot realize from what depths we have been rescued. We cannot measure how much deeper our afflictions would have been, how much greater our woes, had not Jesus encircled us with His human arm of sympathy and love, and lifted us up." {5T 316.1}
(6) All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way; and the LORD hath laid on him the iniquity of us all.
"All we like sheep have gone astray" = ALL have sinned exactly as declared in Romans 3:23, "For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;" and in Romans 3:10, "As it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one:"
"the LORD hath laid on him the iniquity of us all" = He died for the sins we committed. 1 Peter 3:18, "For Christ also hath once suffered for sins, the just for the unjust, that he might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh, but quickened by the Spirit:"
Do you all remember what we discussed last Sabbath wherein the Word of God and Spirit of prophecy declared we have the power to choose not to do as Satan tempts us to do? Notice this from RH Feb. 18, 1890.
"The Son of God was assaulted at every step by the powers of darkness. After His baptism He was driven of the Spirit into the wilderness, and suffered temptation for forty days. Letters have been coming in to me, affirming that Christ could not have had the same nature as man, for if He had, He would have fallen under similar temptations. If He did not have man's nature, He could not be our example. If He was not a partaker of our nature, He could not have been tempted as man has been. If it were not possible for Him to yield to temptation, He could not be our helper. It was a solemn reality that Christ came to fight the battles as man, in man's behalf. His temptation and victory tell us that humanity must copy the Pattern; man must become a partaker of the divine nature.
In Christ, divinity and humanity were combined. Divinity was not degraded to humanity; divinity held its place, but humanity, by being united to divinity, withstood the fiercest test of temptation in the wilderness. The prince of this world came to Christ after His long fast, when He was an hungered, and suggested to Him to command the stones to become bread. But the plan of God, devised for the salvation of man, provided that Christ should know hunger, and poverty, and every phase of man's experience. He withstood the temptation, through the power that man may command. He laid hold on the throne of God, and there is not a man or woman who may not have access to the same help through faith in God. Man may become a partaker of the divine nature; not a soul lives who may not summon the aid of Heaven in temptation and trial. Christ came to reveal the source of His power, that man might never rely on his unaided human capabilities.
Those who would overcome must put to the tax every power of their being. They must agonize on their knees before God for divine power. Christ came to be our example, and to make known to us that we may be partakers of the divine nature. How?--By having escaped the corruptions that are in the world through lust. Satan did not gain the victory over Christ. He did not put his foot upon the soul of the Redeemer. He did not touch the head though he bruised the heel. Christ, by His own example, made it evident that man may stand in integrity. Men may have a power to resist evil--a power that neither earth, nor death, nor hell can master; a power that will place them where they may overcome as Christ overcame. Divinity and humanity may be combined in them." (RH Feb. 18, 1890).
"Let no one think that he is at liberty to fold his hands and do nothing. That anyone can be saved in indolence and inactivity is an utter impossibility. Think of what Christ accomplished during His earthly ministry. How earnest, how untiring, were His efforts! He allowed nothing to turn Him aside from the work given Him. Are we following in His footsteps? He gave up all to carry out God's plan of mercy for the fallen race. In the fulfillment of the purpose of heaven, He became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross. He had had no communion with sin, had known nothing of it; but He came to this world, and took upon His sinless soul the guilt of sinful man, that sinners might stand justified before God. He grappled with temptation, overcoming in our behalf. The Son of God, pure and unsullied, bore the penalty of transgression, and received the stroke of death that brought deliverance to the race.” --Review and Herald, Jan. 20, 1903.
Loved in Heaven – Hated in Jerusalem – part 3(7) He was oppressed, and he was afflicted, yet he opened not his mouth: he is brought as a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before her shearers is dumb, so he openeth not his mouth.
"He was oppressed" = His false arrest confirms He was oppressed by the Jews even unto death.
"yet he opened not his mouth" = Jesus did not respond to their blasphemous questions.
This is fulfilled in Matthew 26:62-63, "And the high priest arose, and said unto him, Answerest thou nothing? what is it which these witness against thee? (63) But Jesus held his peace. And the high priest answered and said unto him, I adjure thee by the living God, that thou tell us whether thou be the Christ, the Son of God."
Luke 23:8-9, "And when Herod saw Jesus, he was exceeding glad: for he was desirous to see him of a long season, because he had heard many things of him; and he hoped to have seen some miracle done by him. (9) Then he questioned with him in many words; but he answered him nothing."
"Satan assailed Him [Christ] in every point, yet He sinned not in thought, word, or deed. He did no violence, neither was guile found in His mouth. Walking in the midst of sin, He was holy, harmless, undefiled. He was wrongfully accused, yet He opened not His mouth to justify Himself. How many now, when accused of that of which they are not guilty, feel that there is a time when forbearance ceases to be a virtue, and losing their temper, speak words which grieve the Holy Spirit." (MS 42, 1901)
"His sorrowing disciples follow Him at a distance, behind the murderous throng. He is nailed to the cross, and hangs suspended between the heavens and the earth. Their hearts are bursting with anguish as their beloved Teacher is suffering as a criminal. Close to the cross are the blind, bigoted, faithless priests and elders, taunting, mocking, and jeering: "Thou that destroyest the temple, and buildest it in three days, save Thyself. If Thou be the Son of God, come down from the cross. Likewise also the chief priests mocking Him, with the scribes and elders, said, He saved others; Himself He cannot save. If He be the King of Israel, let Him now come down from the cross, and we will believe Him. He trusted in God; let Him deliver Him now, if He will have Him: for He said, I am the Son of God." {2T 208.1}
Not one word did Jesus answer to all this. While the nails were being driven through His hands, and the sweat drops of agony were forced from His pores, from the pale, quivering lips of the innocent Sufferer a prayer of pardoning love was breathed for His murderers: "Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do." {2T 208.2}
What Jesus just said here confirms the truth shared in Acts 17:30, "And the times of this ignorance God winked at; but now commandeth all men every where to repent:"
(8) He was taken from prison and from judgment: and who shall declare his generation? for he was cut off out of the land of the living: for the transgression of my people was he stricken.
"who shall declare his generation" = there appears to be three ways to see this fulfilled.
#1, Jesus died without physical descendants, and so no one would could speak of or count the descendants of His "generation" after His death. But He does have countless multitudes of brothers and sisters today who do believe in Him and will most assuredly declare His generation of brethren, and the faith we have concerning Him to all that will hear.
#2, No one cared that He died without children or even a wife to carry on His name, but as we also know, the obedient people of God are His bride and we do go forth to "declare His generation" unto eternity.
#3, and this happens to be my favorite, who on earth can even contemplate how many people have become spiritual descendants of Jesus Christ? Who can possibly “declare His generation” with accuracy? In fact, looking at the prophecy in Psalms 22:30, we see that, "A seed shall serve him; it shall be accounted to the Lord for a generation." We are most assuredly grafted into the family tree of Jesus Christ.
"he was cut off out of the land of the living" = the obvious. Jesus was crucified in 31AD.
"for the transgression of my people was he stricken" = Jesus died for "the transgression of my people" just as the prophet Daniel prophesied long ago. He said in Daniel 9:26, "And after threescore and two weeks shall Messiah be cut off, but not for himself: and the people of the prince that shall come shall destroy the city and the sanctuary; and the end thereof shall be with a flood, and unto the end of the war desolations are determined."
To summarize my study notes on Daniel 9:26 so as to understand how Jesus was prophesied to be murdered for sins He did not commit, notice that Isaiah clearly says He is prophesied to die "for the transgression of my people" which shows He died for our sins (transgressions) and not His own; and Daniel clearly said that "Messiah be cut off, but not for himself" in Daniel 9:26. And as we can see by the chart, the 70th week or "week of Daniel," as students of prophecy call it, it was in the Fall of 27AD that Jesus was baptized. Therefore exactly 3.5 years later in the Spring of 31AD, Jesus was to be crucified in the midst of that prophetic week. (a day = a year says Numbers 14:34 & Ezekiel 4:6) And of course, to finish the week we see Stephen was stoned (Acts 7:59) in the Fall of 34AD perfectly closing out the week as prophesied.
What blesses me about this single verse in Isaiah 53 is that years later, this is where the Ethiopian was reading when the Holy Spirit moved Phillip to go to the Eunuch that day. It says in Acts 8:26-35, “And the angel of the Lord spake unto Philip, saying, Arise, and go toward the south unto the way that goeth down from Jerusalem unto Gaza, which is desert. (27) And he arose and went: and, behold, a man of Ethiopia, an eunuch of great authority under Candace queen of the Ethiopians, who had the charge of all her treasure, and had come to Jerusalem for to worship, (28) Was returning, and sitting in his chariot read Esaias the prophet. (29) Then the Spirit said unto Philip, Go near, and join thyself to this chariot. (30) And Philip ran thither to him, and heard him read the prophet Esaias, and said, Understandest thou what thou readest? (31) And he said, How can I, except some man should guide me? And he desired Philip that he would come up and sit with him. (32) The place of the scripture which he read was this, He was led as a sheep to the slaughter; and like a lamb dumb before his shearer, so opened he not his mouth: (33) In his humiliation his judgment was taken away: and who shall declare his generation? for his life is taken from the earth. (34) And the eunuch answered Philip, and said, I pray thee, of whom speaketh the prophet this? of himself, or of some other man? (35) Then Philip opened his mouth, and began at the same scripture, and preached unto him Jesus.”
(9) And he made his grave with the wicked, and with the rich in his death; because he had done no violence, neither was any deceit in his mouth.
"he made his grave with the wicked, and with the rich in his death" = 2 prophecies fulfilled here,
#1, "he made his grave with the wicked" is fulfilled in Matthew 27:38, "Then were there two thieves crucified with him, one on the right hand, and another on the left."
#2, "with the rich in his death" is fulfilled in Matthew 27:57-60, "When the even was come, there came a rich man of Arimathaea, named Joseph, who also himself was Jesus' disciple: (58) He went to Pilate, and begged the body of Jesus. Then Pilate commanded the body to be delivered. (59) And when Joseph had taken the body, he wrapped it in a clean linen cloth, (60) And laid it in his own new tomb, which he had hewn out in the rock: and he rolled a great stone to the door of the sepulchre, and departed."
Loved in Heaven – Hated in Jerusalem – part 4Before starting I want to let everyone know just how important this series is. Isaiah 53 is not only illegal to be shared in the streets of Jerusalem today, it also appears to be the Lord’s method by which He is reaching many Jews to accept His Son as Messiah. As I shared a month or so back when I started the series, I saw a man sharing Isaiah 53 with some Jews individually on the streets without telling them it was Isaiah 53. He approached them one on one so as not to cause a stir or draw a crowd for obvious reasons. When he read a verse or two, he would ask them all if he read from the old or new testament and 100% of them said new testament because what he was sharing sounded like Jesus or a man being crucified on a cross. Just this last Wednesday I found another man doing the very same thing and so I am certain the Lord is using Isaiah 53 to reach out to the Jews with the hope they accept His Son as Messiah. I believe it’s no mistake He moved me to share Isaiah 53 as well because what I know about this church family is, being a working church, not only can we share what we learn in Isaiah 53 with any Jews we may meet, we can also share these prophetic facts that even a non-believing Jew would admit is about Jesus, some lukewarm Christians or even Atheists would realize this is about Jesus as well. And so, whoever you share it with, let them know how God is using this chapter to bring Jews and Christians unto a real understanding as to who Jesus is. And then pray for them that the apostate preachers Satan is using in the many false revivals all over the USA and other Western nations that He keeps a hedge of angels around them so that they don’t join all the apostate churches Satan has been filling all over the world.
(10) Yet it pleased the LORD to bruise him; he hath put him to grief: when thou shalt make his soul an offering for sin, he shall see his seed, he shall prolong his days, and the pleasure of the LORD shall prosper in his hand.
When it says "Yet it pleased the LORD to bruise him" we see this fulfilled in Hebrews 2:14, "Forasmuch then as the children are partakers of flesh and blood, he also himself likewise took part of the same; that through death he might destroy him that had the power of death, that is, the devil;"
We also see another prophecy fulfilled when Jesus dies as it is shared in Luke 23:44-48, "And it was about the sixth hour, and there was a darkness over all the earth until the ninth hour. (45) And the sun was darkened, and the veil of the temple was rent in the midst. (46) And when Jesus had cried with a loud voice, he said, Father, into thy hands I commend my spirit: and having said thus, he gave up the ghost. (47) Now when the centurion saw what was done, he glorified God, saying, Certainly this was a righteous man. (48) And all the people that came together to that sight, beholding the things which were done, smote their breasts, and returned."
We now see a prophetic whisper in how after 321AD when God's law was trampled underfoot by the Bishop of Rome in unison with Constantine as a symbolic church and state which eventually led to 500 million Christians being tortured and killed that refused to deny the God of the Bible, I look back 3 centuries to see how the apostate synagogue or “church” of the Jews working hand in hand the political state of Rome to torture and kill Jesus. Therefore, just as darkness fell upon the land as the apostle Luke said until the 9th hour, we know for a fact there was a darkness in the Christian church worldwide until the prophesied 9th hour Jesus spoke of in Matthew 20:1-7 when the light of truth fell upon the obedient people of God after Joseph Bates wrote that inspired message about God’s law having a place in the heart of His Son’s bride and all the obedient Christians that heard his blessed message back then understood it and fulfilled the prophecy of Exodus 20:8 to where they “REMEMBERED” to keep the Sabbath holy to please the Creator God.
And when it said in Isaiah 53:10 that "it pleased the LORD to bruise him," we see this fulfilled in Hebrews 2:14, "Forasmuch then as the children are partakers of flesh and blood, he also himself likewise took part of the same; that through death he might destroy him that had the power of death, that is, the devil;"
"It pleased God to bruise His only-begotten Son, to suffer temptation to come to Him, to permit Satan to develop his attributes and the principles of his government. The enmity of the apostate against the Commander of all heaven must be seen. It must be shown that Satan's mercy is cruelty. What a battle was this, between Christ and Satan! It was waged up to the very time of the resurrection, yea, up to the time of the ascension. Then it was transferred to Christ's followers, and today Satan wars against them." {ST, July 12, 1899 par. 4}
NOTE: We the remnant people know of this war firsthand as prophesied in Revelation 12:17. As we see the SDA church not being attacked anymore as they have joined hands with Rome so as to promote everything from Pagan holidays to a Sunday Sabbath while at the same time we do see our church being attacked more and more in both the physical and spiritual manner. Sadly, but as prophesied, the SDA church has become so complacent in their theology due to bowing to Satan and his girlfriend in Rome, we see that the people in the pews have stopped doing the work exactly as prophesied to bring on the 11th hour we the remnant are known for. And, think of this for a moment. The SDA’s are 20 million in number. We the remnant are nowhere near that number, which is a good thing. For our small number is filled with serious Christians and workers who love to share their faith. But can you imagine if a mere 10% of the SDA’s were to do what we do, this would be a different world! But just as Gideon of old saw, or even the 12 apostles saw, we too watch as our Lord uses our small number to proclaim the truth unto all the world! And if you have been keeping up with my blog, and especially the area of the SDA apostasies they do daily now, like everything from Sunday keeping Pentecostals screaming at the top of their lungs like they’re possessed, to vulgar and satanic rap singers performing in the Adventist Health Center. There truly is a graphic difference between the 9th hour woman and the 11th hour remnant of her seed who follows the Lamb whithersoever He goeth.
When Isaiah 53:10 also said "he hath put him to grief," we see this fulfilled in His own chosen people denied and even persecuted Him unto death.
"During His lifetime Christ's spirit was grieved because His own nation looked upon Him as a root out of dry ground, having no form or comeliness that they should desire Him. He longed for careworn, oppressed, weary human beings to come to Him, that He might give them the light and life and joy that are only to be found in Him. The veriest sinners were the objects of His deep, earnest interest, pity, and love. But when in the greatest need of human sympathy, in the hour of His trial and temptation, even the most promising of His disciples forsook Him. He was indeed compelled to tread the winepress alone, and of the people there was none with Him. An atmosphere of apostasy surrounded Him. On every side could be heard sounds of mockery, taunting, and blasphemy. Satanic agencies full of animosity strove to inspire the human family with deadly animosity against the law of Jehovah; and in his enmity the apostate was joined by the professed worshipers of God, for whom Christ had done so much." {ST, July 12, 1899 par. 5}
Next verse 10 said that "his soul an offering for sin," and even a babe in Christ can see that Jesus died as the long-prophesied "Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world." (John 1:29)
Next it says that "he shall see his seed." This was prophesied back in Psalms 22:30 wherein it said, "A seed shall serve him; it shall be accounted to the Lord for a generation."
Notice that it is here that the Lord's "generation" is made sure for all eternity. What I mean is, remember the question that was asked back in verse 8 that said “who shall declare his generation?” This is prophesied to be answered here in Psalms 22:30 as well as after the cross in reality; which stretches unto this day wherein countless souls have become spiritual brethren unto the Lord Jesus wherein no man can number. We ARE “accounted to the Lord for a generation.”
And because of His death, it is also prophesied in verse 10 that "he shall prolong his days" not only speaks of Christ’s eternal reign sitting beside the Father, since we too are to reign declares unto us the gift of eternal life as well.
"The gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord." At infinite cost the salvation of man has been purchased. The world may refuse the gift, but this will not lessen its value, or relieve men of its responsibility. When he was upon earth Jesus said to those who refused him, "Ye will not come unto me that ye might have life." There are many who are refusing to respond to the drawing love of Christ today. Jesus calls, but many refuse to respond to the invitation. They will not avail themselves of the privilege of having Jesus for their personal Saviour. They do not come in humility and faith, that they may know by a personal experience what they are to Jesus, and what he is to them. But the promise is, "He shall see of the travail of his soul, and shall be satisfied." Jesus will not rest until he leads his followers unto the realms of perfect joy and glory. {ST, February 27, 1893 par. 5}
The plans of God cannot fail. Men make great plans, but fail to accomplish the object that they design. They begin to build and are not able to finish. They do not count the cost. But Jesus counted the cost of the salvation of every son and daughter of Adam. He provided abundant means whereby all might be saved, if they would but comply with the conditions and lay hold upon eternal life. Unfailing resources are at his command to complete the work which he has begun. Those who respond to his love, yielding their wills to him, will not perish, but have everlasting life. {ST, February 27, 1893 par. 6}
How the wondrous provision of the plan of God for the salvation of men widens and exalts our ideas of the love of God! How it binds our hearts to the great Heart of infinite love! How it makes us delight in his service, as our hearts respond to the drawing of his loving-kindness and loving mercy! John calls upon men to behold the marvelous love of God. He exclaims: "Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God; therefore the world knoweth us not, because it knew him not. Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be; but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is. And every man that hath this hope in him purifieth himself, even as he is pure." Those who are true, who are pure, who love and obey the words of God, will be counted children of the Heavenly King, members of the royal family, heirs of God, joint heirs with Christ." - {ST, February 27, 1893 par. 7}
And the final prophecy found in verse 10 is where it says that "the pleasure of the LORD shall prosper in his hand." This is not speaking of worldly prosperity as those that worship the world proclaim. The obedient child of God is to be one in the truth with Christ so as to be prosperous in truth and wisdom in sharing the faith that brings the lost soul to Christ. That is what holds more value than anything on earth!
"It is the privilege of every believer first to talk with God in his closet, and then, as God's mouthpiece, to talk with others.
NOTE: WOW! This actually reminds me of the 2 or 3 years that I would “preach to the trees” when I would talk with God in the Cook county forest preserves asking questions and trying out certain answers as I prayed waiting on the Lord to speak in my heart on how to best respond to those I knew He would soon send my way. I even recall one day stopping and asking the Lord to send me out as I saw no reason form me to “preach to trees” as I was doing, and not long after that I was given a pulpit.
Getting back…
“In order that we may have something to impart, we must daily receive light and blessing. Men and women who commune with God, who have an abiding Christ, who, because they co-operate with holy angels; are surrounded with holy influences, are needed at this time. The cause needs those who have power to draw with Christ, power to express the love of God in words of encouragement and sympathy. {RH, March 4, 1909 par. 11}
As the believer bows in supplication before God, and in humility and contrition offers his petition from unfeigned lips, he loses all thought of self. His mind is filled with the thought of what he must have in order to build up a Christlike character. He prays, "Lord, if I am to be a channel through which thy love is to flow day by day and hour by hour, I claim by faith the grace and power that thou hast promised." He fastens his hold firmly on the promise, "If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him." {RH, March 4, 1909 par. 12}
NOTE: "unfeigned" = genuine, sincere, real, natural, pure, unaffected, heartfelt, unforced, wholehearted, dinkum (dinkum = real)
“How this dependence pleases the Master! How he delights to hear the steady, earnest pleading! How quickly the sincere, fervent prayer is recognized and honored! How intensely interested the heavenly angels are! "Are they not all ministering spirits, sent forth to minister for them who shall be heirs of salvation?" With wonderful and ennobling grace the Lord sanctifies the humble petitioner, giving him power to perform the most difficult duties. All that is undertaken is done unto the Lord, and this elevates and sanctifies the lowliest calling. It invests with new dignity every word, every act, and links the humblest worker, the poorest of God's servants, with the highest of the angels in the heavenly courts. {RH, March 4, 1909 par. 13}
“True believers are the light of the church and of the world. God has true messengers of healing in the world. They are those who are taught of God, who are imbued with his Spirit, ministers who experience the sanctification of the Spirit. The sons and daughters of God have a great work to do in the world. They are to accept the Word of God as the man of their counsel, and to impart it to others. They are to diffuse light. All who have received the engrafted word will be faithful in giving that word to others. They will speak the words of Christ. In conversation and in deportment they will give evidence of a daily conversion to the principles of truth. Such believers will be a spectacle to the world, to angels, and to men, and God will be glorified in them." - {RH, March 4, 1909 par. 14}
Loved in
Heaven – Hated in
Jerusalem – part 5
Since it’s been a few weeks since I shared part 4 of this sermon series, we are going over the entire chapter of Isaiah 53, which only has 12 verses and I will be sharing the last 2 verses of this chapter today. As we know Isaiah 53 is loaded with many prophecies in all 12 verses that describe many things that Jesus would do when He visited us 2000 years ago. Of course, this chapter doesn’t share the hundreds of prophecies in the Word, but it does share some of the rather blunt prophecies that confirm Jesus was indeed Messiah and this is why this chapter is illegal in Jerusalem to this day. As a preacher friend of mind discovered the hard way some years ago, if you read these words outloud in Jerusalem, they will arrest you. They hate Jesus that much which by the way was also prophesied to happen all along and especially in these last days. So much so, Satan has created “another Jesus” that all the world is right now worshiping that is nowhere near the Jesus of the Bible. He is doing this so as to make it easier to control the masses before the REAL Jesus returns.
(11) He shall see of the travail of his soul, and shall be satisfied: by his knowledge shall my righteous servant justify many; for he shall bear their iniquities.
This prophecy declares that Jesus will see that all He went through before and on the cross so that we can gain Heaven will be satisfying to Him. All the souls that embraced His Word as it is declared in the Bible and not how it’s twisted by the many false prophets Jesus said would come in our day in Matthew 24:11 wherein their sermons are corrupted and they even use Bibles now with thousands of verses missing, which was also prophesied. All the obedient Christians know His death blessed them with salvation and with a pure and righteous change in life wherein they kept His Commandments which as promised in Revelation 22:14 clearly justifies their entrance into New Jerusalem, which most people call Heaven, and that makes Jesus very happy.
The apostle Peter declared this prophecy in Isaiah 53:11 fulfilled in 1 Peter 2:24-25 where it says, "Who his own self bare our sins in his own body on the tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness: by whose stripes ye were healed. (25) For ye were as sheep going astray; but are now returned unto the Shepherd and Bishop of your souls."
"Christ's redeemed ones are His jewels, His precious and peculiar treasure. "They shall be as the stones of a crown"--"the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints." "Zechariah 9:16; Ephesians 1:18. In them "He shall see of the travail of His soul, and shall be satisfied." Isaiah 53:11. {6T 309.4}
"There are revealed in these last days visions of future glory, scenes pictured by the hand of God, and these should be dear to His church. What sustained the Son of God in His betrayal and trial? He saw of the travail of His soul and was satisfied. He caught a view of the expanse of eternity and saw the happiness of those who through His humiliation should receive pardon and everlasting life.
NOTE: When the young Christian stops looking at Christianity as a chore and a series of do's and don’ts, he will come to know about the reality that it's not so much about the religion of Christianity as it is about being part of the family of God the Father. A year in Heaven will make this easier to see, but at present we need to look deeply in His Word to grow in grace.
We are all invited to be His children and if we love Him as our Father and Abba in Heaven. We will seek to please Him by doing as He says is best for us because after all, 100% of every part of His will for us is about making our lives happy and peaceful for all eternity.
"He was wounded for their transgressions, bruised for their iniquities. The chastisement of their peace was upon Him, and with His stripes they were healed. His ear caught the shout of the redeemed. He heard the ransomed ones singing the song of Moses and the Lamb." {8T 43.3}
NOTE: what sister White says here is in reference to what John saw in vision and recorded in Revelation 15:3, "And they sing the song of Moses the servant of God, and the song of the Lamb, saying, Great and marvellous are thy works, Lord God Almighty; just and true are thy ways, thou King of saints."
This song was written by Moses who then taught the Jews to sing it after they were called out of Egypt. This will be sung by the faithful remnant when they overcome their sin and this wicked world and are then called off the earth that is bathed in sin. (the "song of Moses" is found in Exo_15:1-27)
If we remain faithful unto the end, which is not far off now, this will then be our song as well. A.T. Jones says...
"Ah, but the song of Moses, the servant of God, was the song of deliverance from Egyptian bondage; and those that get the victory over the beast and his name and his image and the number of his name,-from what are they delivered?-They are delivered from Egyptian bondage, as surely as was Moses. And they sing the song of Moses, because they, too, are delivered from Egyptian bondage. The Bible is full of it. Spiritually we have been in Egypt, and O, may God deliver us out of it. Then shall we sing this song unto the Lord: - {March 5, 1897 ATJ, GCDB Q32.5}
I will sing unto the Lord, for he hath triumphed gloriously: the horse and his rider hath he thrown into the sea."
NOTE: just as the "horse and his rider" were thrown into the Red Sea when Pharaoh tried to kill God’s people back then, so shall the billions that surround God's faithful people at the end of plague 6 be thrown into the sea of fire at the end of the 1000 years with every lost soul along with Satan and his demons.
And by the way, do a search on YouTube for “chariot wheels in the Red Sea” and you will see those chariot wheels are still there after God sent Pharaoh’s men into that sea to die that day.
"The Lord is my strength and song, and he is become my salvation: he is my God, and I will prepare him a habitation. {March 5, 1897 ATJ, GCDB Q32.6}
Will you? will you? I will dwell in them, and walk in them; they shall be my people, and I will be their God. {March 5, 1897 ATJ, GCDB Q32.7}
Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you. And will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty. {March 5, 1897 ATJ, GCDB Q32.8} But, "Out of Egypt have I called my son." {March 5, 1897 ATJ, GCDB Q32.9}
NOTE: even though it caused Jesus to literally sweat blood in the garden of Gethsemane in Luke_22:44, which Science recently proved happens in moments of intense stress, He saw His joy was to be complete when He sees the smiles upon our faces in New Jerusalem.
"These things have I spoken unto you," said Christ, "that My joy might remain in you, and that your joy might be full." John 15:11. {MH 504.1}
Ever before Him, Christ saw the result of His mission. His earthly life, so full of toil and self-sacrifice, was cheered by the thought that He would not have all this travail for nought. By giving His life for the life of men, He would restore in humanity the image of God. He would lift us up from the dust, reshape the character after the pattern of His own character, and make it beautiful with His own glory. {MH 504.2}
NOTE: So many miss this wonderful love filled heavenly mission that is wholly geared towards making us perfect and holy so as to gain Heaven where we can be happy for all eternity in a life that is God’s first choice for all of us. But since Adam and Eve fell, we all need to be tested to see if we are capable of loving the Lord more than the world. Who on earth would hate such a love as this? Sadly, billions do as we speak. But, they have no clue they hate Him due to how Satan fabricates "another Jesus" before their eyes making them assume they can be saved in their sins as Rome teaches, instead of being saved from their sins as Jesus offers via the Comforter He sends. (Joh_16:7)
It goes on to say that "Christ longs to extend His sway over every human mind. He longs to stamp His image and character upon every soul. When He was on this earth, He hungered for sympathy and co-operation, that His kingdom might extend and embrace the whole world. This earth is His purchased possession, and He would have men free and pure and holy. "For the joy that was set before Him," He "endured the cross, despising the shame." [Hebrews 12:2.]
NOTE: Think about that! He really knew how painful and humiliating the cross was going to be for Him! But when He looked forward seeing the similes on our faces as we stand in New Jerusalem safe and sound for all eternity, He went through all that the cross entailed just so we could be happy and peaceful in His kingdom! He did all this and much much more, just for us and our children who embrace Him as Lord.
"His earthly pilgrimage was cheered by the thought that He would not have all this travail for naught, but would win man back to loyalty to God. And there are triumphs yet to be accomplished through the blood shed for the world, that will bring everlasting glory to God and to the Lamb. The heathen will be given for His inheritance, and the uttermost parts of the earth for His possession. Christ will see of the travail of His soul, and be satisfied. [See Isaiah 53:11.] {GW 28.1}
Zechariah 9:16, "And the LORD their God shall save them in that day as the flock of his people: for they shall be as the stones of a crown, lifted up as an ensign upon his land."
"Then I saw a very great number of angels bring from the city glorious crowns--a crown for every saint, with his name written thereon. As Jesus called for the crowns, angels presented them to Him, and with His own right hand, the lovely Jesus placed the crowns on the heads of the saints. In the same manner the angels brought the harps, and Jesus presented them also to the saints. The commanding angels first struck the note, and then every voice was raised in grateful, happy praise, and every hand skillfully swept over the strings of the harp, sending forth melodious music in rich and perfect strains. Then I saw Jesus lead the redeemed company to the gate of the city. He laid hold of the gate and swung it back on its glittering hinges and bade the nations that had kept the truth enter in.
NOTE: Revelation 22:14, "Blessed are they that do his commandments, that they may have right to the tree of life, and may enter in through the gates into the city."
"Within the city there was everything to feast the eye. Rich glory they beheld everywhere. Then Jesus looked upon His redeemed saints; their countenances were radiant with glory; and as He fixed His loving eyes upon them, He said, with His rich, musical voice, "I behold the travail of My soul, and am satisfied. This rich glory is yours to enjoy eternally. Your sorrows are ended. There shall be no more death, neither sorrow nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain." I saw the redeemed host bow and cast their glittering crowns at the feet of Jesus, and then, as His lovely hand raised them up, they touched their golden harps and filled all heaven with their rich music and songs to the Lamb. {EW 288.1}
I then saw Jesus leading His people to the tree of life, and again we heard His lovely voice, richer than any music that ever fell on mortal ear, saying, "The leaves of this tree are for the healing of the nations. Eat ye all of it." Upon the tree of life was most beautiful fruit, of which the saints could partake freely. In the city was a most glorious throne, from which proceeded a pure river of water of life, clear as crystal. On each side of this river was the tree of life, and on the banks of the river were other beautiful trees bearing fruit which was good for food. {EW 289.1}
Language is altogether too feeble to attempt a description of heaven. As the scene rises before me, I am lost in amazement. Carried away with the surpassing splendor and excellent glory, I lay down the pen, and exclaim, "Oh, what love! what wondrous love!" The most exalted language fails to describe the glory of heaven or the matchless depths of a Saviour's love." {EW 289.2}
(12) Therefore will I divide him a portion with the great, and he shall divide the spoil with the strong; because he hath poured out his soul unto death: and he was numbered with the transgressors; and he bare the sin of many, and made intercession for the transgressors.
When it says, "Therefore will I divide him a portion with the great, and he shall divide the spoil with the strong" it means that the Father blessed Jesus with eternal honor as a victorious conqueror so as to set up His everlasting kingdom at the end of the 1000 years on this world we now live on. All that He has done blesses us as well because our King Jesus willingly laid down his life for us.
"Contrast this with the riches of glory, the wealth of praise pouring forth from immortal tongues, the millions of rich voices in the universe of God in anthems of adoration. But he humbled himself, and took mortality upon him. As a member of the human family he was mortal, but as a God he was the fountain of life to the world. He could, in his divine person, ever have withstood the advances of death, and refused to come under its dominion; but he voluntarily laid down his life, that in so doing he might give life and bring immortality to light. He bore the sins of the world, and endured the penalty which rolled like a mountain upon his divine soul. He yielded up his life a sacrifice, that man should not eternally die. He died, not through being compelled to die, but by his own free will. This was humility. The whole treasure of heaven was poured out in one gift to save fallen man. He brought into his human nature all the life-giving energies that human beings will need and must receive." {RH, July 5, 1887 par. 5}
This is fulfilled in Philippians 2:8-11, "And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross. (9) Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name: (10) That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth; (11) And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father."
And when it says EVERY tongue should confess, it means that Satan, all the fallen angels he conned out of Heaven and every person that is about to die in hellfire at the end of the 1000 years will bow the knee and confess with a true understanding that Jesus Christ really is Lord and they are all worthy of eternal death and damnation by fire because they ignored His loved filled warning to be SAVED from that fire. For it is also written in Romans 14:11, "As I live, saith the Lord, every knee shall bow to me, and every tongue shall confess to God."
At the end of the 1000 years, this is what happens...
"Satan seems paralyzed as he beholds the glory and majesty of Christ. He who was once a covering cherub remembers whence he has fallen. A shining seraph, "son of the morning;" how changed, how degraded! From the council where once he was honored, he is forever excluded. He sees another now standing near to the Father, veiling his glory. He has seen the crown placed upon the head of Christ by an angel of lofty stature and majestic presence, and he knows that this office might have been his. {4SP 484.2}
Memory recalls the home of his innocence and purity, the peace and content that were his until he indulged in murmuring against God, and envy of Christ. His accusations, his rebellion, his deceptions to gain the sympathy and support of the angels, his stubborn persistence in making no effort for self-recovery when God would have granted him forgiveness,-- all come vividly before him. He reviews his work among men and its results,--the enmity of man toward his fellow-man, the terrible destruction of life, the rise and fall of kingdoms, the overturning of thrones, the long succession of tumults, conflicts, and revolutions. He recalls his constant efforts to oppose the work of Christ and to sink man lower and lower. He sees that his hellish plots have been powerless to destroy those who have put their trust in Jesus. As Satan looks upon his kingdom, the fruit of his toil, he sees only failure and ruin. He has led the multitudes to believe that the city of God would be an easy prey; but he knows that this is false. Again and again in the progress of the great controversy has he been defeated and compelled to yield. He knows too well the power and majesty of the Eternal. {4SP 485.1}
The aim of the great rebel has ever been to justify himself, and to prove the divine government responsible for the rebellion. To this end he has bent all the power of his giant intellect. He has worked deliberately and systematically, and with marvelous success, leading vast multitudes to accept his version of the great controversy which has been so long in progress. For thousands of years this chief of conspiracy has palmed off falsehood for truth. But the time has now come when the rebellion is to be finally defeated, and the history and character of Satan disclosed. In his last great effort to dethrone Christ, destroy his people, and take possession of the city of God, the arch-deceiver has been fully unmasked. Those who have united with him see the total failure of his cause. Christ's followers and the loyal angels behold the full extent of his machinations against the government of God. He is the object of universal abhorrence. {4SP 485.2}
Satan sees that his voluntary rebellion has unfitted him for Heaven. He has trained his powers to war against God; the purity, peace, and harmony of Heaven would be to him supreme torture. His accusations against the mercy and justice of God are now silenced. The reproach which he has endeavored to cast upon Jehovah rests wholly upon himself. And now Satan bows down, and confesses the justice of his sentence." {4SP 486.1}
And finally, when it says in verse 12 that "he bare the sin of many, and made intercession for the transgressors" this means this prophecy was fulfilled at Calvary wherein He died on that cross.
Daniel 9:26, "And after threescore and two weeks shall Messiah be cut off, but not for himself: and the people of the prince that shall come shall destroy the city and the sanctuary; and the end thereof shall be with a flood, and unto the end of the war desolations are determined."
"Christ has pledged Himself to be our substitute and surety, and He neglects no one. He who could not see human beings exposed to eternal ruin without pouring out His soul unto death in their behalf, will look with pity and compassion upon every soul who realizes that he cannot save himself." {COL 157.1}
