June 4, 2004

THE SATISFIED REDEEMER

"He shall see the travail of His soul, and be satisfied" (Isaiah 53:11, NKJV).

The language of this portrait of Christ is reminiscent of a mother emerging from labor pains to be greeted by the sight of a beautiful and healthy baby. The pain is soon forgotten in her maternal joy.

In his description of the suffering servant, Isaiah says, "He shall see the travail of His soul, and be satisfied" (Isaiah 53:11, NKJV). With touching pathos, the prophet describes the agony, pain, and suffering of Jesus on the cross. He portrays Him as a man of sorrows and grief, who is despised, derided, and rejected (see verse 3). But the pain and agony vanish with a high note of triumph. The rainbow suddenly dominates the sky, as the prophet writes, "After the suffering of his soul, he will see the light of life and be satisfied" (verse 11, NIV). After the pain and humiliation of Gethsemane and Calvary, came the triumph of the resurrection and the glorious ascension to God's right hand (see Hebrews 12:2).

The high point of Christ's satisfaction will be the great multitude of the redeemed around the throne of God magnifying their great Redeemer (see Revelation 7:9). What an inexpressible joy it must be for our Saviour to see millions of men, women, and children of every nation, tribe, and language saved by His blood! No wonder Christ will be satisfied! Reflect prayerfully on this inspired comment: "He saw the results of the travail of His soul and was satisfied. Looking into eternity, He beheld the happiness of those who through His humiliation had received pardon and everlasting life. His ear caught the shout of the redeemed. He heard the ransomed ones singing the song of Moses and the Lamb."--God's Amazing Grace, p. 349.

My Prayer Today: Lord, may the day come soon when You will welcome home the redeemed and be satisfied. Amen.