Isaiah 53:1-3 – To hear, believe and live God’s message

In his description of the Suffering Messiah, the prophet in Isaiah 53:1 asked two rhetorical questions. The first question “Who would believe our reports?” suggests that the prophet was perplexed and only a few would believe the messengers of God who came proclaiming about this Servant of God. The second question “And to whom has the arm of the Lord been revealed?” The arm of the Lord here is the symbol of God’s power. Here Isaiah was referring to the power of God with which this Messiah would be endowed and operating. This second question suggests that despite the power of the Lord working through Him, demonstrating the wonders of God, He would not be embraced and believed. Why? Verses 2-3 show us the reasons.    

It was because of His humble origin described briefly in verse 2. Many did not expect the Messiah to come in such a lowly and humble status. In the minds of many, Messiah would come majestically like a  triumphant king. But unlike the status that a king would be entitled to, this Servant originated from a very ordinary family. He just came forth like an ordinary tender shoot forcing its way through the dry and parched ground. One would expect royalty to hail from a palace, yet this Messiah was accorded no such privilege or royal status. He was born in unflattering circumstances with no pomposity. That made Him unattractive and unappealing to warrant any attention.

Isaiah went on in verse 3 to speak about His rejection and abandonment. What this Messiah would be accustomed to would be pain, sorrow, and grief. He would be despised and rejected and one in whom people would hide their faces. This was what John in his Gospel said of our Lord Jesus. John 1:11 affirmed this saying, ^“He came to His own, and His own people did not accept Him.” In many other passages of the four New Testament Gospels, we saw how Jesus the Messiah was rejected, accused, and despised.

Faith and belief are fundamental to our progress in God. If what God has spoken is to profit us and bring about growth, then faith and belief are critical elements to nurture. Hebrews 11:6 affirms that saying, “But without faith, it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.” Only and until we have responded positively and obediently act upon what we have heard, then can we say that we have believed. Remember faith without corresponding action is not faith, it is only mental assent. Accepting Jesus is just the first step. It is only until we walk the path of discipleship that our faith is built and demonstrated.  We must not only hear God’s message, but we must also believe and live the message. This is vital to our spiritual growth!