“He is despised and rejected by men,
A Man of sorrows and acquainted with grief.
And we hid, as it were, our faces from Him;
He was despised, and we did not esteem Him.”
(Isaiah 53:3)
This is one of the most disturbing passages of scripture for me. When I look at it in isolation, I think, “Why did they capitalize ‘Him’ and ‘Man’? Don’t they only do that in reference to the Lord? Surely, this passage cannot be about Him!”
Yet, it is. It is about Jesus. God spoke these words through Isaiah, to foretell of the type of death the Messiah would have. It makes me a little sick to my stomach to think that Jesus was to be considered a despised and rejected person. How could Someone who spent His life living for the Father, in complete truth, healing others, showing mercy, pouring out love…how could this be a person that anyone could hate?
Sadly, where there is godliness, there is evil, enviously trying to destroy it. Even though many people followed Jesus, and were marveled by the miracles He performed, fears and doubts tugged at their hearts. For some of the teachers of the law at that time, fear and greed and sheer obstinacy were overwhelming their decisions about what to do with Jesus.
When you are so knee-deep in pride, you might do anything to keep your status and position. How else can we explain how teachers of the law would think that killing Christ was the best option? They plotted, and pushed their agenda to the Roman official at the time, who was actually trying to let Jesus go. Pilate washed his hands publicly to show that the blood of Jesus would not be on him.
Unfortunately, when some loud voices speak out, the weak will join them. The people who blindly obeyed the plotters shouted, “Let it be on us and our children!” Wow, really? Really, folks, you thought that was a good thing?
Going along with a crowd doesn’t always mean that you are making a right choice. It could mean that you’re collectively wrong. How confident we are in numbers at times. We assume that as long as many of us think the same way, it must be good and correct and the truth. But in this case, the Truth was about to be crucified for absolutely no crime, not even one sin committed on His own part.
The people despised Him anyway.
What boggles my mind is that God always knew this would happen. And He told Isaiah hundreds of years before it did occur. So, the Father knew that His creation would murder the One through Whom all the creation was made. God knew it the entire time, and His plan was to provide a Way to eternal life and forgiveness for every sin we made or would make in the future. How can such a mercy exist? Can any of you imagine that if you knew someone would kill your child that you would let it happen for the greater good and be ready to forgive the murderers? It’s unthinkable, but that’s exactly what the Father had in mind.
We say John 3:16 all the time, but do we really understand the first part: God so loved the world? Let’s just stop right there and reflect on this:
God so loved the world:
- Despite our belittling of Him.
- Despite our selfishness.
- Despite our misusing His name.
- Despite our refusing to set aside a day apart for Him.
- Despite our mistreating our families.
- Despite our wars and violence against each other.
- Despite our lust.
- Despite our thievery.
- Despite our lies.
- Despite our greed,
and,.
- despite our condemning, humiliating, mocking, beating, nailing, and deserting His only Son, to die like a criminal, but for our crimes.
Can you grasp how deep such a love that must be? Could you love like that? I could not even begin to understand it, but I am grateful for it! Sometimes when I feel I am displaying a mere shadow of that love, I know it’s only by the power of God I can do it at all. But if we fully comprehended what the Lord’s love was really like, in technicolor, in every detail, I don’t know if we could survive the experience. It would be too wonderful for our finite little hearts to bear.
It is easy to be hard on the people at the time of the crucifixion. But what about us, those who now know the truth, and believe that Jesus died and was risen so that all who believe He is the Christ will be forgiven of sin and saved from death? What about us? Do we set Him aside for other priorities or because we think our feelings make more sense? Do we always listen to what the Spirit puts in our mind as the right thing to do? Do we cast away good counsel from the Lord? Are we ever rejecting Him?
I make this mistake all the time. I agree with Paul the apostle because I do not always do what I want to do, which is the right thing, but I give into the wrong thing (Romans 7:19). My spirit is willing but my flesh is weak. However, I take great comfort in these words of Christ:
And He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. (2 Corinthians 12:9)
We need to remember to hate (that is, reject) what is evil, not what is good. We also need to remember daily what this despicable Man did for us:
Surely He has borne our griefs
And carried our sorrows;
Yet we esteemed Him stricken,
Smitten by God, and afflicted.
But He was wounded for our transgressions,
He was bruised for our iniquities;
The chastisement for our peace was upon Him,
And by His stripes we are healed.
(Isaiah 53:4-5)
As we enter into Holy Week, this Palm Sunday, let us humbly reflect on those times we have not let God lead us. Let us ask for forgiveness, with confidence that He will grant it. Let us also ask for His strength to forgive others, so we might truly receive His mercy. Above all, let us praise Him for His everlasting love, which surpasses any other love we can experience or express, and be truly thankful to Him for sending Jesus, who came when we were sinners, not to condemn, but to save a world that didn’t understand Him.
As Jesus passed on from there, He saw a man named Matthew sitting at the tax office. And He said to him, “Follow Me.” So he arose and followed Him.
Now it happened, as Jesus sat at the table in the house, that behold, many tax collectors and sinners came and sat down with Him and His disciples. And when the Pharisees saw it, they said to His disciples, “Why does your Teacher eat with tax collectors and sinners?”
When Jesus heard that, He said to them, “Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick. (Matthew 9:9-12)
I can’t help myself this time of year. Tax season always makes me think about Matthew, and the accountants in my life who I lovingly call tax collectors.
I tend to quote from this passage in concert with Matthew 21:30-32, where Jesus says that the tax collectors and prostitutes are entering the kingdom of heaven before the teachers of the law. It matters to me greatly that Christ ate and talked with the most unloved people in society. He was not interested in scooping up all the righteous to Him and creating an inner club. The opposite, in fact. He drew people in that needed Him the most. People who were hurting, rejected, and now considered outcasts.
How many of us church-going folks think to invite a prostitute into someone’s home, so we can sit and talk with them? Does the notion make you feel uncomfortable? I confess, it takes me out of my comfort zone, too. But Jesus called upon a man who was considered even lower in status—Matthew, a tax collector. In those days tax collectors were notorious cheats, and were probably the scum of society. Jesus called to Matthew and told him to follow Him. When Matthew did, a bunch of other tax collectors and an assortment of “sinners” joined Jesus and Matthew in the house and they all sat together.
Can you imagine this? I have been invited for dinner this upcoming Saturday. What would my girlfriend say if I brought a ton of other people with me, from “questionable” walks of life? (Actually, my girlfriend is very loving, so it would probably be ok.) But wow, what a visual. I love how by Jesus’ inviting just one person attracts many. I think these people must have been utterly starving, and not for food, but for the Lord.
Why is it that we make a distinction between different types of “sinners” when we are all sinners? I have never been a prostitute, but the sins I committed in my life would not being me any closer to salvation. There really is no hierarchy of sin. Someone who seems to “follow all the rules” but is riddled with pride is full of sin. (Some of the Pharisees were like that. Today, we can see it in our own church at times.) Paul the apostle writes in Romans 3:23 that we all have sinned fallen short of the mark. So the real question is: Why are we uncomfortable with sinners when we too have sinned?
Those of us who are blessed with the knowledge of the Grace of Christ need to think of it as a cure for a horrible disease. If one of us found a remedy that would obliterate every type of cancer, wouldn’t we share it? It would be the epitome of selfishness not to dole out such medicine! Well, the forgiveness and mercy and compassion of the Lord wipes out the impact of our sin in the spiritual realm. That means that we still have to deal with the consequences of our sinful behavior while in this life, but our eternal life will be in peace with our God. And, also while on this earth, we will be given the Lord’s Spirit, to guide us each step of the way, until our final breath. The Grace of Christ means never having to walk through life on our own power again. All our burdens will be replaced with His lighter burden, so we can bear up under it, and move forward. The burden we carry under Jesus is only His plan for our life. That is it.
Isn’t this all good news? I think so! Then, it’s important for me to share it with those who are hurting, lonely, cast out. My job is not to judge and reject. As a follower of Christ, I must love first, and ask questions later. If in a moment of prejudice, I consider someone less than myself, I need to ask for God’s forgiveness, because that same person would have been invited to dine with Jesus.
And if I am going to be completely honest, looking back at my life, I also would have been invited to sit and talk with Jesus, because of how people regarded me.
Remember that Christ taught us that the one lost sheep takes priority over the 99 that are not lost. It doesn’t mean that God does not care for the 99; it just means that He considers His flock so valuable, that He will personally go after the one that strays.
When He calls that sheep, it will recognize His voice, and rejoin the others.
Matthew was lost. Jesus found him. And today, I quote from Matthew’s gospel. See how the love of God transforms a life?
As we approach Easter, consider with gratitude how much Christ loves you. Then remember He loves everyone, and ask Him to see the lost through His eyes. You will be blessed to understand and know just how vast His love is. If you feel you are lost, take heart. He is coming after you, to gather you in His arms and take you to where you will be loved and cherished.
Therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, put on tender mercies, kindness, humility, meekness, longsuffering* (Colossians 3:12)
(* longsuffering means patience.)
It’s looking like spring is upon us, and with it, comes my excitement to switch from ugly but necessary winter boots, to cute and adorable spring booties, pumps, and eventually, dare I say it: SANDALS! Ah, life in Canada.
I’m a fashionista and we think in terms of seasons…not just for weather, but for trends. It’s kind of fun for me to see what each season brings in terms of fabrics, textures, colors, and shapes. To me, fashion is art, and I like to take the suggestions and make my own painting!
As a Christian, I not only get to dress my outside self, but also my spirit. In Ephesians 6:10-20, Paul tells us to put on the full armor of God, so that we can stand firm against evil and spiritual attack. In Colossians, Paul also tells us to clothe ourselves in another sort of spiritual ready-to-wear line. We must drape ourselves in
- tenderness and mercy
- kindness
- a meek and humble attitude
- patience
Why are these spiritual clothes always in fashion? What purpose do they have and why don’t they ever go out of style? Well, in Collosians 3:13, Paul explains that we need these things so that we can bear up with one another, solve conflicts between each other, and dole out forgiveness, just as God forgave us.
Think about it, if you made a sentence, like, “Cait is merciful, tender, kind, humble, patient,” you’d probably be lying. Ok, what I mean to say is that if you put your name at the beginning of that sentence, then post it on your mirror, or in a book, or wherever you would see it, and prayed that the Lord would teach you how to be like that…then the way you would interact with people would amaze you!
My eyes are almost worn out from the negative impressions people have about all Christians just because some forget to dress in this spiritual gear. It’s unjust that the few tarnish the reputation of the many, but even worse, they do not represent the Lord correctly. All over the Old Testament God talks about how He does not want anyone to profane His name. To me, this is beyond swearing, which is also inappropriate, it is behavior! How we act can give a non-believer an idea of who God is. Pressure? Not really, because our being humble would tell the person that we are not perfect, and we need to rely on the Lord constantly. In my experience, even those who have been hurt by the church can stomach me, because I don’t pretend to have all the answers, I am gentle with them, I do not judge them, and I really try to accept them where they are at right now.
However, as brothers and sisters in Christ, we need to be spiritual fashion police! We need to remind each other to wear the items in Collosians 3:12. We cannot go out spiritually naked when dealing with each other and the outside world. And it is essential to put on God’s armor underneath, so we can defy Evil’s plans to throw us off God’s path.
So, check the contents of your soul’s closet. If anything you need is missing, all you have to do is call the Top Designer, and He’ll provide you with everything you need for the journey. His collection is for all shapes and sizes and these items will constantly be tailored for every occasion. Just keep praying, because His wisdom is the thread that keeps it all together.
Now walk that runway and put this clothing to His use!
by Cait Gordon on Thursday, March 1, 2012
Dedicated to Robert M. Gordon, my father-in-law, who passed away on February 29, 2012, with his loved ones by his side. This is his favorite passage:
To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven:
A time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up that which is planted;
A time to kill, and a time to heal; a time to break down, and a time to build up;
A time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance;
A time to cast away stones, and a time to gather stones together; a time to embrace, and a time to refrain from embracing;
A time to get, and a time to lose; a time to keep, and a time to cast away;
A time to rend, and a time to sew; a time to keep silence, and a time to speak;
A time to love, and a time to hate; a time of war, and a time of peace.
What profit hath he that worketh in that wherein he laboureth?
I have seen the travail, which God hath given to the sons of men to be exercised in it.
He hath made every thing beautiful in his time: also he hath set the world in their heart, so that no man can find out the work that God maketh from the beginning to the end.
I know that there is no good in them, but for a man to rejoice, and to do good in his life.
And also that every man should eat and drink, and enjoy the good of all his labour, it is the gift of God.
I know that, whatsoever God doeth, it shall be for ever: nothing can be put to it, nor any thing taken from it: and God doeth it, that men should fear before him.
Ecclesiastes 3:1-4, KJV
GGY will be back on March 16, 2012. Please pray for our family as we prepare for the funeral and other arrangements during this time. We greatly appreciate the sincerest condolences and prayers we have already received. Let me assure you that we know God is leading us through this difficult time. Many grateful thanks.
Now when they drew near Jerusalem, and came to Bethphage, at the Mount of Olives, then Jesus sent two disciples, saying to them, “Go into the village opposite you, and immediately you will find a donkey tied, and a colt with her. Loose them and bring them to Me. And if anyone says anything to you, you shall say, ‘The Lord has need of them,’ and immediately he will send them.”
All this was done that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophet, saying:
“Tell the daughter of Zion,
‘Behold, your King is coming to you,
Lowly, and sitting on a donkey,
A colt, the foal of a donkey.’”
(Mathew 21:1-5)
In several Bible versions, this is known as The Triumphal Entry, and yes, as Christ entered Jerusalem that day, everyone cheered and even laid their clothes on the path before Him—a sort of rolling out the red carpet! But true to Jesus, the beauty in the thing is how He rode in. There was no jewel-encrusted stallion; He did not wear flowing purple robes or a crown. He just sat in his ordinary clothes upon not even a mature donkey, but a young donkey.
This might not have been what some people expected the Messiah’s entrance to be like, but those who knew their prophets would have understood. God spoke through Zechariah, of just how Zion’s King would come.
I grew up in the Catholic church. So, when Ash Wednesday starts, Lent begins. As a very young girl, I remember giving up so many things, but it quickly dawned on me that it might be better if I did something new, something good, instead of fasted. I used Lent as a trigger, an inspiration to produce a good habit. Well, I haven’t been in the Catholic church for 25 years, but this year, Lent struck me, and I eventually decided to read my scripture daily again.
I am a bit of an iPad madwoman (shaddup, those who know me well), and I have the YouVersion Bible application. What I like about that app is that you can select from different study plans. So, for Lent, I decided to read their 40-day Bible study, and the first day was Matthew 21:1-11.
It’s not like I haven’t read this passage before, but for some reason, it moved me immeasurably this time. I find the Easter season is when I fall in love all over again with the person of Christ. His character is so amazing, and such an example for us to imitate. One of my weaknesses is that I like to be given credit for who I am and what I do. It bothers me when people assume I am less than who I really am, skill-wise, or intellectually. Yet, here is Jesus, through Whom all things were made, Son of God, just chillaxin’ on a foal of a donkey. Wasn’t it enough that He was born in a manger?
I cannot fathom how Someone so great can so willingly humble Himself. Jesus was surrounded almost daily with teachers of the law and temple men of some importance, who were constantly trying to trip Him up. (They never did.) These men were so concerned about their status and their legalism, they could not recognize the Christ when He was right in front of them! They were haughty and often looked foolish. Jesus was humble, and always triumphed with wisdom.
I get weak in the knees when politicians or other celebrities try to bully their Christian beliefs on citizens. I never once read in any of the gospels of Jesus bullying anyone. Rather, He sat with the outcasts, the unloved, and He actively loved them. He even said that the prostitutes and tax collectors were entering the kingdom of heaven ahead of the Pharisees and teachers of the law! How is that so, when the “church folk” knew their scripture inside out?
Simple: the teachers knew the word of God, but the “outcasts” recognized the person of God. The Bible means nothing if you cannot recognize the Lord. It’s just a bunch of rules and stories without any context.
Jesus humbled Himself to be born. He humbled Himself to be a carpenter’s son. He humbled himself to gather up ordinary people to be His apostles. He humbled Himself to enter Jerusalem on a young donkey. He humbled Himself to speak, sit, and dine with people that were considered the “unclean”, and He shared the kingdom of God with them. He humbled Himself to die for us all, so that by believing, we would be saved from death.
Can you sense a theme here? Humility.
The word Christian was originally a derogatory term—let’s not make it so again. Let’s be Christ-like—true imitators of Jesus. Let’s be His ambassadors. Let’s do it with humble hearts, and the full fruit of His Spirit.
Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. (Ephesians 4:2)
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What is GGY? Got Grace, yet? is Cait Gordon's online writing ministry. Each week, you can read new devotionals, usually published on Fridays, about how God inspires her along her faith journey.
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Readers' Comments
Audrey S. on A Humble Entry
Cait, I was really challenged by the focus of the devotional. So often we want to be recoghized for our strengths,...Lydia on Fertility of the Spirit
Thanks Cait. I don't know why I read this today but I guess I was supposed to. Thank you for...Marianne on R-E-S-P-E-C-T, for the elderly
Next Friendship Club is next Friday at Anne Jones' Place. Potluck Lunch. You would be welcomed!!Captain Chris Ramey on SoS!!! Kiss me, now!
Well...I'm really looking forward to getting married now! Haha.Audrey Sandiford-Vatcher on Jesus says: Today you will be with me in paradise!
Cait, I was so sorry to hear about you cousin. I am praying for you and her family. Peace and comfort...David Sigler on Jesus says: Worship God
This is another great post, Cait. I also must say that I find it interesting how God engaged with Job...David Sigler on Jesus says: Follow Me
Wow Cait - this is a very powerful piece. Thank you! God has gifted you with this writing ability -...Susan on Jesus says: Follow Me
Thanks for this..............so much truth here and so much to think about.Susan on Know this!
Thanks Kate..............you make it very clear............just what I needed to hear and think about.Cait G. on Out with the old…in with the new!
Amen, Susan! I'm accepting that I have to be re-aligned with God's Spirit-level! ;-)