“The Surrender of Suffering” Isaiah 53:1-11
Famous Surrenders Empire of Japan Surrenders to USA, September 2, 1945 General Lee surrenders to General Grant, April 9, 1865 Saul Surrenders to Jesus Acts 9
I Surrender All… “to cease resistance to an enemy or opponent and submit to their authority” * Surrender to Jesus = His will AND His ways “I surrender all! All to Thee my blessed Savior, I surrender all!
Surrender to Suffering was KEY to Jesus’ Ministry “And I, if I be lifted up, will draw all men to Myself” (John 12:32). “…He humbled Himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. THEREFORE, also God highly exalted Him…” (Philippians 2:8-9) A lifestyle of surrender to the King’s will is critical to our spiritual growth and health!
Isaiah Foretold the Messiah’s Suffering in Chapter 53 vs. 3 – “He was despised and forsake of men… vs. 4 – “Surely our griefs (pain, sicknesses) He Himself bore…” Vs. 5 – “He was pierced through for our transgressions…” Vs. 7 – “He was oppressed and He was afflicted”…
Blessed Redeemer! Up Calvary’s mountain, one dreadful morn, Walked Christ my Savior, weary and worn; Facing for sinners death on the cross, That He might save them from endless loss. Blessed Redeemer! Precious Redeemer! Seems I now see Him on Calvary’s tree; Wounded and bleeding, for sinners pleading, Blind and unheeding—dying for me!
Dimensions of Suffering In the deteriorating, human body! “Your body will grow feeble, your teeth will decay, and your eyesight fail” (Eccl. 3:3, CEV) Life’s adverse circumstances (Job) (John 16:33) Result of obedience to Jesus Christ “If the world hates you…” John 15:18-19 Martyrdom – Matthew 10:21, 24:9
Discerning Hope in Painful Situations (Lord, Over Here! I Need Help!) “Blessed are they that mourn…” (Matthew 5:4) “Blessed are those who have been persecuted for righteousness sake; “Blessed are you when men revile you and persecute you…” “Rejoice and be glad…” (Matthew 5:10-12) * God filters everything (Luke 22:31, Job) * God wins as our Redeemer (Romans 8:28)
Finding Hope in Suffering… “Weeping may endure for a night, but joy comes in the morning” (Psalm 30:5b) The Road to Emmaus “And their eyes were opened, and they recognized Him…” (Luke 24:31). The Table of the Lord points us to the marriage feast of the Lamb!