Isaiah 53:3 “He was despised and rejected by men, a man of sorrows and acquainted with grief, and as one from who men hide their faces he was despised, and we esteemed him not.”

It is hard to read the tragedy of the gospels. The story of a hero is disguised in the tragedy of a man who did only good but was despised for doing it. He was not popular with the people who decided who would be popular. He got up every day to face rejection even though what he offered free was beyond the price of any of those who turned him down.

The Jews of Jesus’ day were not the only ones who rejected the offer of peace and salvation God had for them. No, the nation of Jewish peoples had a history of rejecting God. In truth, they rejected the water, food, protection, and finally, the salvation offered by God. They could not touch God, but they could His Son, and they showed what they would do if they could have their way with the most high. In spite of the evidence, prophets and miracles, they railed against the Messiah, denying the free gift of grace.

Task for Today: Does it sadden your heart that so many people of your generation are following the lead of the mob who cried, “Crucify him?” What about the ones who just stand with the crowd, their mouths closed like their hearts? Where are you in the crowd? One either speaks up for Jesus or denies him. Plan a definite statement that lets the world know which side you are on.