Isaiah 53:1-3 The Passion Translation (TPT)
How do you handle insults or rejection? Certainly, it can be a hard place for our emotions; a place of emotional pain. Such cruelty is rooted in human sin and many times aimed at Christ’s followers. In the Wisdom book of Proverbs, we are taught a wise person ignores insults (12:16). Do you need to get better at ignoring insults?
In our passage today, the prophet Isaiah refers to the character and work of Messiah—Jesus. He reminds us that Jesus was the most emotionally whole human being to ever live, yet he suffered insult and rejection. Jesus is acquainted with and understands emotional pain. Therefore, we can identify with Jesus. He becomes our role model for how to handle put-downs. Jesus did not absorb the insults or rejections of his neighbors (those around him). Instead, he stayed focused on who God made him to be and the purpose he came to fulfill. Pleasing the Father remained his first priority, so when he was insulted by others he was able to overcome it.
Isaiah 53: 1-3
1
Who has truly believed our revelation?
To whom will Yahweh reveal his mighty arm? [power]
2
He sprouted up like a tender plant before the Lord,
like a root in parched soil.
He possessed no distinguishing beauty
or outward splendor to catch our attention—
nothing special in his appearance to make us desire him.
3
He was despised and rejected by men,
a man of deep sorrows
who was no stranger to suffering and grief.
We hid our faces from him in disgust
and considered him a nobody, not worthy of respect.
Prayer: Lord, when I am a target of insult or rejection, help me to make a decision not to absorb those things meant for my harm. Instead, help me to keep the right priorities and overcome evil by focusing on pleasing you. In Jesus’ name. Amen.