Wednesday, December 22, 2010

Deliverance

"I will give him the honors of one who is mighty and great, because he exposed himself to death." Isaiah 53:12

DAY 22-Today will be our last day here in Jerusalem and then we will be heading on to Bethlehem.  I hope that you have had time to let the words of Isaiah absorb within you.

I want to finish sharing with you the words from our friend Isaiah.

But who among the people realized that he was dying for their sins-that he was suffering their punishment? He had done no wrong, and he never deceived anyone. But he was buried like a criminal; he was put in a rich man’s grave. But it was the Lord’s good plan to crush him and fill him with grief. Yet when his life is made an offering for sin, he will have a multitude of children, many heirs. He will enjoy a long life, and the Lord’s plan will prosper in his hands.  When he sees all that is accomplished by his anguish, he will be satisfied. And because of what he has experienced, my righteous servant will make it possible for many to be counted righteous, for he will bear all their sins……He was counted among those who were sinners. He bore the sins of many and interceded for sinners."  Isaiah 53:8-12

How magnificent is Your plan O’ Lord. How Mighty is Your name. Your presence alone O’ Lord is greater than a single breath. Your unfailing love spreads from generation to generation. You gave up Your one and only Son for each of us.  O’ Lord how we praise You for the greatest sacrifice ever made.

Lord today we jump ahead and celebrate the death and sacrifice of Your Son. It is because of Him, His birth and His death our sins have been set free and life is ours to keep. O’ Lord how amazing is Your grace?    

I know all of this seems out of order but it will all come full circle within the next few days. In the meantime I pray that you will see the nature of our Father and His divine plan for each of us.  And remember this journey is not just about the amazing detail of Jesus’ birth but about the amazing detail of His death-the very death that gave you and me life!!!

We must stop here for now I have a meeting and some errands to attend to before we head out tomorrow morning. Meet Mary and I back here first thing in the morning, we must get onto Bethlehem in time to register.