Today's Passage:  Isaiah 53-55

When you read the words of prophecy in these chapters, it is easy to see the life of Christ...we have the benefit of the New Testament to help us see clearly how Isaiah was proclaiming the coming of Jesus.  We read that He was "despised", "rejected by men", a "man of sorrows" who was "pierced for our transgressions" and we can instantly point to specific times in the life of Christ that fit all these descriptions.  It is certainly encouraging to read prophecy when we know the outcome!

Passages like these should not just remind us of what was, but also of what is to come!  There is much prophecy that has not yet come to pass...if you've been in growth groups recently, we've been studying most of this prophecy in the book of Revelation.  We don't yet have the historical evidence of these events to affirm our trust.  When we read these words today, however, how can we not trust that the rest of the story will come true as well?  When Isaiah can talk about Jesus being pierced on the cross for my sin, shouldn't I be just as confident that one day Jesus will return for me?  Isn't there enough evidence to rejoice in what will be as much as what has been and is true right now?

Take some time today to praise God for what will be...an eternity in His presence.  We can trust that these words are true!