Isaiah 53: Performed by the Edwin Hawkins singers, from their album “Wonderful” (1976).
Lord, who hath believed our report? and to whom hath the arm of the Lord been revealed?
John 12:38 (KJV)
These words from the prophet Isaiah were fulfilled in Christ as described in the Gospel of John. Of the people who witnessed the life and work of Jesus Christ, there were three types of people: Those who believed and openly embraced and worshiped Him, those who believed secretly because they feared being cast out of the synagogue, and those who refused to believe and were defiant in their unbelief. The people had seen Jesus perform many miracles. Jesus declared and openly said in the synagogues that He was and is one with the Father. The resurrected Lazarus stared them in the face, yet many refused to believe that Jesus was the Messiah. The glory of God was not on their agenda, and they decided to defend their own interests by living their lives as they wanted to live them. It is written:
39 Therefore they could not believe, because that Esaias said again, 40 He hath blinded their eyes, and hardened their heart; that they should not see with their eyes, nor understand with their heart, and be converted, and I should heal them. 41 These things said Esaias, when he saw his glory, and spake of him. -John 12:39-41 (KJV)
Many believers will in the course of their lives, and even in the course of days and weeks, mimic the behaviors of the ancient witnesses: They will reject the “arm of the Lord”, at other times openly declare how the arm of the Lord has been revealed to them, and at still other times they will hide their faith in a closet, afraid of what others might do to them or not do for them because of their faith. Such behavior demonstrates duplicity, dishonesty and hypocrisy. But God does not want us to be so internally fractured by wandering in pastures that are far from Him. It is the will of the Lord for His children to be whole, transparent and honest. The will of the Father is for His children to represent Him at all times. Has the arm of the Lord been revealed to you? If so, then step up to the plate and be committed to represent Him and worship Him “in spirit and in truth.”
Reflection:
Having seen how others rejected the Savior and refused to acknowledge Him, what then is my prayer? My prayer is: Heavenly Father, forgive me for the inconsistencies in my worship of you. Help me to be honest and unafraid of knowing you. Help me to love You with a passion that does not fail to embrace You. Help me to so see Your glory, that the praise of men is less than dust. Live in me, so that I may be pure, holy and consistently desiring to “walk in the light even as He is the light.” In Jesus’ precious and holy name I pray. Amen.
© 2011 Verneda Lights. All Rights Reserved.
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Edwin Hawkins Video, “Isaiah 53” was posted in Youtube.com by Johnzoe777 on Dec 7, 2008. Verneda Lights and E-graphX Omnimedia have no ownership in this video. It is used for educational purposes only.
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