JANUARY 18

2 Corinthians 1:4 ~ ~ “who comforts us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort those who are in any trouble, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God.”

We’re in the chapter on the Suffering Servant and the Kingdom, in the book, “How to Read the Bible…” by Dr. Michael Youssef

THE MISSION OF JESUS, THE SUFFERING SERVANT

The Suffering Servant of Isaiah is interpreted differently in Judaism and in Christianity.  In Judaism, the Suffering servant represents the nation of Israel.  In Christianity, the Suffering servant is a literal Person, Jesus the Messiah.  In both Judaism and Christianity, he fulfills two rolls – prophet and priest.

As a prophet, the Suffering servant brings God’s message of comfort, healing, peace, and salvation to the people.  He prophetically proclaims God’s righteousness to the world.

As a priest, the Suffering Servant makes atonement for the people’s sins by taking upon Himself the punishment they deserve for sin.  In this role, He cleanses the people of their guilt and restores their relationship with God.  In fact, we can parse the word atonement to mean “at-one-ment.”  The Suffering Servant, our High Priest, removes our guilt so that we can be “at one” with God.

You and I, as followers of Christ, are the “new Israel.”  As disciples of the Suffering Servant, we are called to follow His example and do what He did.  We are called to be prophets, proclaiming God’s righteousness to the world.  We are called to be priests, leading people to God so they can find forgiveness, redemption, and salvation through Jesus, the crucified and risen Lord.

In the ancient Jewish view, suffering always follows sin.  But Isaiah presented an entirely new view of the problem of pain.  Suffering, he said, is often a direct result of doing God’s will.  No longer is suffering mere agony without meaning.  Instead, God can transform suffering into His chosen instrument of redemption.  Through it, we can enter the very character of God’s Servant and share in His redemptive purpose.

The Jews did not want a Messiah who suffers.  They wanted a triumphant Messiah.  And are we any different?  Are we willing to suffer with Him for the Gospel of the Kingdom?  Or do we want Jesus to give us a life of ease?

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James 1:12

Blessed is the man who endures temptation; for when he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love Him.

2 Timothy 1:8

Therefore do not be ashamed of the testimony of our Lord, nor of me His prisoner, but share with me in the sufferings for the gospel according to the power of God,

John 16:33

These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.

Mark 4:17

and they have no root in themselves, and so endure only for a time. Afterward, when tribulation or persecution arises for the word’s sake, immediately they stumble.

Romans 5:3-4

 And not only that, but we also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance; and perseverance, character; and character, hope.

Romans 8:35-40

Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword?  As it is written:

“For Your sake we are killed all day long;  We are accounted as sheep for the slaughter.”

Yet in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us.  For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities nor powers, nor things present nor things to come, nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

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