Philip Dampier's Blog

The Fourth Servant Song

Isaiah 53:5 “But he was pierced for our transgressions; he was crushed for our iniquities; upon him was the chastisement that brought us peace, and with his wounds we are healed.”

Here in the middle of the song is the crucial message of the suffering servant. While it appears to be about Him it is really about us. He had no transgressions or iniquities. He deserved no chastisement and peace He already owned. He did not need healing but He paid for our healing by taking on wounds which were not His.

The song begins with the end in a way. Chapter 52:13 says, “Behold, my servant shall act wisely, he shall be high and lifted up, and shall be exalted.” When Jesus’ suffering for us was finished, He returned to heaven where He was highly exalted at the right hand of God. All that He was before becoming the Servant was restored and He reigns as King over all today.

Task for Today: When you feel a little unloved, read Isaiah 53. Change the pronouns to more personal ones. The God of John 3:16 is plural.