Oh, What a Savior (Isaiah 53:1-7)

Once I was straying in sin's dark valley,

No hope within could I see.

They searched through heaven and

Found a Savior to save

a poor lost soul like me.

Oh, what a Savior, Oh hallelujah! His heart was broken on Calvary, His hands were nail scarred, His side was riven, He gave His life-blood for even me.

The words of a popular Southern Gospel song, "Oh, What a Savior", reveal the simple truth of the life-changing gospel. To understand the gospel is to realize that the glory of Christ and the horror of the cross intermingled to accomplish salvation for those who believe. Christ, in his glory, attracted many followers in his day. However, Christ on the cross turned them away. The inescapable truth is that, just like today, not everyone in that day wanted to follow someone who would end up dying such a shameful death, hanging on a cross. Isaiah 53 is a clear prophecy of God's plan of salvation. Isaiah foretells of Christ's death in the place of sinners, and he validates believers' salvation centuries before they turn to be saved. Who is this man of suffering who was pierced for our transgressions?

I. The Savior

Verses 2-3 describe the Savior as having nothing beautiful or majestic about his appearance. Additionally, he was despised, rejected, and full of sorrow and grief. He possessed nothing that made him attractive. He was so despised, people could not even look at him. They turned their back, full of apathy and unconcern. He was fully God and fully man. He knew poverty, rejection, and heartache, yet he was a servant to the point of death. Why would such a servant be rejected? Many reasons, but the chief reason was because he was an insignificant person who grew up among the very people who rejected him. The son of a carpenter was nothing special. God had a perfect reason for Jesus coming to earth as a deplorable.

II. His Suffering

Can you just imagine Jesus carrying a business card that described his role in that day? Jesus Christ: Unattractive/Hated/Poor. Who would that attract? Exactly no one. Today, as in Jesus' day, no one would be interested in following such a leader. Today, people are interested in following a popular and prosperous superstar. They look for someone who exudes the wow factor. After all, associating with the rich and famous could possibly make the follower feel rich and famous themselves. Jesus was not interested in being famous. He was interested in one thing - the souls of the lost. He didn't want fame to get in the way of people realizing that they are sinners in need of a savior. That's why he was satisfied with being pierced for our rebellion, crushed for our sins, beaten to make us whole, and whipped so we could be healed. Oh, what a Savior! Why was he willing? He was willing because of the depravity of man and the necessity of sacrifice.

III. Our Salvation

Verse 6 gives a simple but powerful definition of sin, "Each of us has turned to his own way." Every person is lost in sin, and they are concerned about doing whatever they will. At the same time, God is concerned about the ones who have turned away. It is his will that none should perish, but that all should take the free gift of eternal life. Only one thing is standing in the way. Sin. Think of the word sin. What is right in the middle of the word? I. I want to do what I want to do. God loved us enough to not leave us in the sin that separates us from him. He sent Jesus, the God-man, to take our sin upon himself. He was bruised for our sin, and he humbled himself to the point of death on a cross. He was willing to be beaten and eventually killed so that whosoever could live. Salvation is free and it is simple. It is not a matter of religion, denomination, or ritual. It is a matter of a three letter word, sin. Jesus is willing to take your sin, and all you have to do is give it to him by asking for forgiveness. That is great news in itself, but an added bonus is that you never have to carry it again. It is like a lady on the bus. She carries a heavy suitcase onto the bus. There's no available seats, so she stands there with the heavy suitcase in her hand. The bus driver tells her to put down the suitcase and let the bus carry it. Once Christ takes your sin, you never have to pick it up again. Oh, what a Savior!

#salvation #Isaiah5317 #Jesus