December 16 | Isaiah 52:13-15

---

DAILY READING

Isaiah 52:13-15

---

REFLECTION

The Suffering Servant

By Kim Starr

This text is often referred to as the suffering servant. It was written for the people of Judah, who were exiled in Babylon, as a song of hope that assured them God had not forgotten them. Many New Testament writers point to this scripture and sayJesus fulfilled it.

One way for me to imagine a suffering servant is to put myself in Jesus’ shoes. Jesus’ father asked him to die a physical death for the sins of everyone else. He, personally didn’t have any sin, but the rest of the world, past, present, and future, has plenty. Not only is Jesus’ dying a huge responsibility, it also forced him to go through something horrendous. What was God thinking? He knew for his plan to happen, he needed his son to do this. Jesus did express some reluctance, but he followed through with what his Father asked. In doing so, he was a faithful servant.

None of us has been a suffering servant in the same way Jesus was, but some of us have been suffering. It doesn’t really matter if we’ve suffered a long time or a short time. Suffering is suffering. Each person deals with it in his own way. We can watch others suffering and comment that, if they did this or that, they wouldn’t be suffering any more. Jesus' followers did the same thing and had all kind of suggestions of what he should or shouldn't be doing. Or we think people are suffering only to discover they are joyous in their situation. Who are we to decide how they feel?

What I do know is that Jesus’ suffering offers us hope and salvation. God acts on behalf of his people in order that we might see his mighty deeds and experience salvation. The exiled Judeans eventually saw what happened to them as God’s retributive justice for their covenantal disobedience. However, they were later redeemed and God’s might was revealed to all nations. The same is true for Jesus’ work on the cross. His sacrifice opens the door of salvation to all who come and believe in him. They will have eternal life.

PRAYER

Dear heavenly Father, we stand in awe of what you have done for us. Thank you for redeeming us and giving us an opportunity to have eternal life if we believe in you. Please let our lives reflect our salvation and bring more people to know you. Amen.

---

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

KIM STARR

I have been a member of UALC since I was 2-years-old. Over my life I have participated in, and volunteered for, numerous ministries, programs, and activities, all of which have grown and strengthened my faith. I have been blessed beyond measure by not only being a part of this congregation, but also by being able to worship with three generations of my family.