Isaiah 52  The Lord calls for His people to wake up and get ready.. for He will provide redemption. "Therefore My people shall know My name; therefore in that day I am the one who is speaking, 'Here I am.' " (v6)

Good News! Redemption came to Israel and it comes to us.. news of "peace and .. happiness."  News that "Your God reigns!" (v7)

God would restore Zion then and He will restore Zion again. (v8)

God comforted His people then.. and He will comfort all of us again!

God "bared His holy arm".. "That all the ends of the earth may see the salvation of our God." (v10) 

God declared Himself their leader and their "rear guard". ( v12)  And He has not changed!

God's Servant came. But, in a way they failed to recognize.. even though He declared it plainly here in the words of Isaiah.  " So His appearance was marred more than any man, and His form more than the sons of men. thus He will sprinkle many nations. Kings will shut their mouths on account of Him; For what had not been told them they will see, and what they had not heard they will understand."  ( v15)

As we reflect on yesterday, Palm Sunday.. and anticipate Good Friday.. it is fitting to read these words, to think about the sacrifice of our Savior... marred.. pierced.. scourged.. crushed.. poured out as a "guilt offering".. "Because He poured out Himself to death, and was numbered with the transgressors; Yet He Himself bore the sins of many and interceded for the transgressors." ( 53:12)

Father in heaven, Holy God, who bared Your arm.. Who sent Your Son.. to redeem, to restore, to take all of our sins on a cross.. for us. We exalt and lift high the name of Jesus Christ our Lord.  Lord, You reign and we rejoice! Thank You for the cross. Thank You that in the crucifixion of Jesus, we are crucified to the rule of sin, self, and satan.. forever and ever. Amen!  Draw us nearer. Fill us with Your love and grace. May we hear and understand, may we see clearly Your glory and majesty.  In Jesus' name. Amen.