Need a Complement?

I have always been struck by this phrase which Isaiah wrote in Is.53:10:  “Yet it pleased the Lord to bruise Him” !   If you know the context here Isaiah is prophesying about the crucifixion of Jesus Christ.  Right before verse 10 we have the familiar verses teaching this, like: “But He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities. . .” (vs.5).  As Christians we read that this was necessary for God to do to save us from hell and secure for us salvation and heaven.

As we read the gospels we see Jesus utter those words predicted a millenium before by David in Ps.22, “My God, My God why hast Thou forsaken Me?”  and we know why !  The Father had to so that the Son could become the apt sacrifice for our sin !   Its a moving, highly emotional mental image even though we weren’t there to see it when it actually happened.  But why does Isaiah say it “pleased”the Lord to bruise Him? I believe the only explanation is the love of God for you and I !

Do you ever fish for compliments?  We do have this craving to be loved and appreciated. To be reminded someone finds something about us thats appealing. And I don’t think its always our pride, not always, ha.  We  were created in the image and likeness of God and though that was somewhat marred by the fall in Eden we do nonetheless have a desire to be loved and valued. Well, maybe today or yesterday you needed that compliment or that assurance.  Let me remind you that no matter what men may think of you, no matter how you may have been put down, mistreated or taken advantage of or how long its been since a genuine complement has been paid to you that the TRUTH is God loves YOU immensely and He proved it at the cross !!   Do you struggle with bitterness because other dont seem to appreciate what you do for them? Then you need to stop focusing on them and allowing their sin to control and shape you and dwell on the fact that it PLEASED the Lord to bruise Him because He loves you greatly and despite your spiritual miscues (sins) He desires greatly your fellowship !    And that factual love for you is what needs to motivate you today and lift your spirits from how people mistreat you !