Suffering and Glory of the Servant 

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     Israel and Judah are descending, while Assyrians rise. Nevertheless, God is telling his people (through Isaiah) to think positive. Their God is not only going before you, but He will be their rear guard.

     Knowing his message is difficult for humans, God explains in Isaiah 52:13-14, See, my Servant will act wisely; he will be raised and lifted up and highly exalted. 

     A servant? Who would that be?

     The Lord doesn't mention the virgin birth and eventual ministry (700 years in the future). He focuses on his Servant's victory over Satan, revealing the one and only path to eternal life: Just as there were many who were appalled at him - his appearance was so disfigured beyond that of any man and his form marred beyond human likeness. Wow!

     Still communicating through Isaiah, the Lord adds: ...so will he sprinkle many nations, and kings will shut their mouths because of him. For what they were not told, they will see, and what they have not heard, they will understand. 

     Wow again! Israel and Judah are on the skids. But, God has a Servant who will be "highly exalted." Yet, this Servant will be beaten (by Roman soldiers) beyond human recognition. So, how does this executed Servant become so amazing that kings will shut their mouths? 

To be continued