"I Know How Difficult It Is!" (Isaiah 53:3-6)

Everyone enjoys listening to a master performance in music. The talent of the musician is on display and our spirits may soar as we bask and revel in their artistry. As beautiful as these moments are, I find it an even richer experience when the artist is playing a musical instrument with which I am familiar. I play guitar, take voice lessons, and have played violin in the past. Thus, when I have the pleasure of hearing an artist performing within these genres, I marvel even more at the performance; I know how difficult it is!

Knowing how difficult a task is helps me to empathize with others in a similar situation. But empathy can only take me so far. I can never understand the pain and  joy of childbirth. I will not be able to relive the wonder and joy that an infant has when they first embrace their parents. And I will never be able to understand how difficult it was for my Lord Jesus Christ to remain steadfast to His mission to God, His Father. How could I? The worst pain I have experienced is infinitely less than the agony and suffering that Jesus endured on the Cross for me.

He was despised and rejected by men; a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief; and as one from whom men hide their faces he was despised, and we esteemed him not. Surely he has borne our griefs and carried our sorrows; yet we esteemed him stricken, smitten by God, and afflicted. But he was pierced for our transgressions; he was crushed for our iniquities; upon him was the chastisement that brought us peace, and with his wounds we are healed. All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned—every one—to his own way; and the Lord has laid on him the iniquity of us all.

Isaiah 53:3-6 (ESV)

How could one man bear the sins of every person who has ever lived-past, present, and future? How could one man receive the just punishment from God for these sins? How could one man endure the pain and suffering of separation from God, His eternal Father? Only one Man, Jesus Christ. He could do this because He is fully Man and fully God. He took all of our sins and nailed them to the Cross. He died and rose again so that I may have eternal life if I confess and repent of my sins and trust Him as my Lord and Savior. And this salvation is for everyone who does the same.

I know how difficult it is? I have no idea and never will!

Praise God for His ultimate sacrifice for me!

Love and trust the Lord; seek His will in your life.