It seems like everyone is a victim today. Someone has offended them or pain has been caused because of their circumstances. Now there may be truth to these claims but what they do is diminish those who are actual victims, those who have been abused and assaulted. The church should be fighting for the real victims. Do you know someone who was not a victim? Jesus. He endured physical and mental abuse and did nothing to deserve it, but He willingly suffered.
Isaiah 53:10
But the LORD was pleased to crush Him, putting Him to grief; If He would render Himself as a guilt offering, He will see His offspring, He will prolong His days, and the good pleasure of the LORD will prosper in His hand.
Bridging the Gap
You can’t spend enough time in Isaiah 53. I encourage you to read it over and over, and not just at Easter. It should humble us and make us so grateful for what Jesus endured. Verse ten is one of the main verses in this chapter because it shows us God’s intentions. God, the Father, was pleased to crush His Son so that the gap of sin could be bridged and we could be reconciled to Him. Jesus rendered Himself a guilt offering to pay the price we couldn’t. But that’s not the end of the story.
The Rest of the Story
Jesus lives! He has broken the curse and defeated death. He lives to see his offspring and His days have been prolonged for eternity. Now His days are filled with the good pleasure of His Father. As Philippians 2:10 says He has been given the name above all names and every knee will bow and confess that He is Lord as He sits at the right hand of His Father. What a glorious thought.
Not a Victim
You are not a victim because you follow Jesus. He has redeemed you and made you a new creation (2 Cor 5:17). If you suffer because of your faith, it is because who Jesus is. Jesus, Peter, and Paul told us it would happen. Consider yourself worthy if Satan attacks you. It means you are doing something right. Don’t shrink away if your feelings get hurt. Stand tall in your trust in Jesus.
