Well, I’m bout over my post-election blues, and figure all is in God’s hands regardless of what trials or tribulations he puts in front of us. Faith in God will see us through.

In the last post or two, can’t remember which (getting old!), I made reference to Isaiah 53. This scripture was sent to me by a great friend of Deb and I. His name is Sonnie…spelled IE at the end, though I’ve argued with him for years that…that ain’t how you spell Sonny! LOL

Sonnie has been such a pivotal point in my and Deb’s religious conviction, although Deb had walked with our Lord for quite some time.

In my case, that guy and several other of our friends cared enough about me to come to me on numerous occasions and tell me about the difference God had made in their own lives. I listened, but most times kinda just outta courtesy. For those that know me…imagine that!

They showed great patience, and eventually they, through their own examples of how they led their lives, I started seeing that these friends of mine were so happy. Yeah, they’d have their moments, who doesn’t, but they HAD something that I didn’t…peace.

They believed, and it showed! God indeed was a major player in regards to their lives. No matter the problem facing them…they simply put their faith in God.

Their ability to face whatever adversity that they were confronted with, they were handing with so much less stress than I seemed to be, and through their speaking to me about their “walk with Christ,” I knew without a doubt there was something missing in my own regard.

They taught me to read the word, ask for repentance, and to put my faith in God. By this, HE’D always be there for me, and I gotta tell you…it HAS made a heck of a difference in my life!

Sonnie has started coming over on Tuesday afternoon, and we have a small Bible study. I’m tellin you guys, this man is a blessing to me, but, he enjoys every minute of being able to profess his love for our Lord and Savior.

We all know that God gave HIS SON, Jesus Christ, to die for us on the cross, and through this, we are granted eternal life. We either believe, or we choose not to believe…this choice is ours.

Here’s the kicker here, and to me, is such a wonderful example of our God’s love for us.

Jesus did not die for HIS sins people, he was without sin…Yet HE died…for OUR sins! Is that amazing, or what?

In John 8:12, Jesus says, “I am the light of the world. If you follow me, you won’t have to walk in darkness, because you will have the light that LEADS to life.”

Jesus talks many times of persecution, and of his believers being persecuted themselves, and the end result of HIS own persecution being…crucified on the cross.

I personally knew of the trials that Jesus faced, but I’d never really had them put into perspective before…Isaiah 53 does this perfectly for me.

I have to admit that the first time I read this chapter I immediately called a close friend and read it to them over the phone. It struck me so clearly the incredible sacrifice that had taken place. I was literally awestruck…I had to tell someone!

I made the call about 10:30 at night, and they were like, “What do you want Bronson? You seen the time?”

I replied that I knew, but, I had to share this, and I did. When finished, they too were impressed with this scripture, and I’ll never forget their reply after a moment or two…

“That BOOK, has EVERY answer…to EVERY problem.”

No doubt! You only have to read the Word.

So this morning, I’d like to share Isaiah 53 with all my friends. I only hope that it touches you, just as it did me. It truly is an incredible story of love, faith, and sacrifice…

Even more incredible to me is simply the fact of WHEN this scripture was written. My Bible states that chapters 1-39 were around 700 BC. But chapters 40-66 may have been written around 681 BC, near the end of Isaiah’s life…

1. Who has believed our message?
   To whom has the Lord revealed his powerful arm?
2. My servant grew up in the Lord’s presence like a tender green shoot, like a root in dry ground.
   There was nothing beautiful or majestic about his appearance, nothing to attract us to him.
3. HE was despised and rejected—
   A man of sorrows, acquainted with deepest grief.
   We turned our backs on him and looked the other way.
   HE was despised, and we did not care.
4. Yet it was OUR weaknesses he carried;
   It was OUR sorrows that weighted him down.
   And we thought his troubles were a punishment from God, a punishment for HIS own sins!
5. But HE was pierced for OUR rebellion,
   Crushed for OUR sins.
   HE was beaten so WE could be whole.
   HE was whipped so WE could be healed.
6. All of us, like sheep have strayed away.
   We have left GOD’S paths to follow our own.
   Yet the LORD laid on HIM
   The SINS OF US ALL.
7. He was oppressed and treated harshly,
   Yet he never said a word.
   He was led like a lamb to slaughter.
   And as a sheep is silent before the shearers,
   He did not open his mouth.
8. Unjustly condemned,
   He was led away.
   No one cared that he died without descendants,
   That his life was cut short in mid-stream.
   But HE was struck down
   For the rebellion of my people.
9. HE had done no wrong
   And had never deceived anyone.
   But HE was buried like a criminal:
   He was put in a rich man’s grave.
10. But it was the LORD’s good plan to crush him
    And cause HIM grief.
    Yet when HIS life is made an offering for sin,
    HE will have many descendants.
    HE will enjoy a long life,
    And the LORD’s good plan will prosper in HIS hands.
11. When HE sees all that will be accomplished by HIS anguish,
    HE will be satisfied.
    And because of HIS experience,
    My righteous servant will make it possible for many to be counted righteous,
    For HE will bear all THEIR sins.
12. I will give HIM the honors of a victorious soldier,
    Because HE exposed himself to death.
    HE was counted among the rebels.
    HE bore the sins of many and interceded FOR the rebels.

THAT’S faith, is it not? What a story of love and devotion. Everything he bore…was for us. Incredible!

In closing, I’d like to share one other scripture with you guys this morning. I find it very appropriate in today’s world.

It is written by Paul, and comes from Thessalonians 5:14-18…

14) Brothers and sisters, we urge you to warn those who are lazy. Encourage those who are timid. Take care of those who are weak. Be patient with everyone.
15) See that no one pays back evil for evil, but always try to do good to each other and to all people.
16) Always be joyful. 17) Never stop praying. 18) Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus.

I wish good things for all you guys, and God Bless. As Deb always said, “Keep a smile on your face, and one in your heart!”

Dub