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.
Isaiah 53:3
In 1875 Philip Paul Bliss wrote a hymn of praise and confession. Listed in many hymnbook as Hallelujah, What a Savior!, the hymn is based on Isaiah 53 and contains a reflection on the humble condition of the incarnate Son of God, the rebellious, fallen condition of man, the love of Christ to rescue sinners, the complete success of Jesus’ death to bring salvation, the promise of his return, and the hope of eternity spent worshiping our glorious King. Here are the words:
“Man of sorrows!” what a name For the Son of God, who came Ruined sinners to reclaim! Hallelujah, what a Savior! Bearing shame and scoffing rude, In my place condemned He stood Sealed my pardon with His blood, Hallelujah, what a Savior! Guilty vile and helpless we, Spotless Lamb of God was He; Full atonement can it be? Hallelujah, what a Savior! Lifted up was He to die, “It is finished,” was His cry; Now in heav’n exalted high Hallelujah, what a Savior! When He comes our glorious King, All His ransomed home to bring, Then a-new this song we’ll sing: Hallelujah, what a Savior!
Hallelujah! The song sends electric shocks up and down my spine as I am reminded of the infinite mercy of God and his endless goodness toward us. Every person on this planet deserves the eternal condemnation from the just and righteous God. No one deserves anything good. No one deserves mercy and grace. It is astounding that God would send his Son to die for rebels such as we, but that is exactly what he did. Does this move you to praise and pray and rejoice and spread his name wherever you go? I hope the motivation of your life is the love of Christ, his delight in us, and your delight in him.
{ 0 comments… add one now }