OUR MARVELLOUS REDEEMER
Isaiah 52:14-15. As many were astonished at Thee; His visage, &c.
This prophecy runs through chapter 53. It sets forth the exaltation of the Messiah, which was to be preceded by His humiliation. There would be surprise and disappointment in some cases, while there would be surprise and admiration in others.
I. View the Saviour as attracting universal attention. “That which had not been told them shall they see; and that which they had not heard shall they consider.”
Some men cannot fail to attract attention whether they court it or not. There is something in their appearance, or manner, or intelligence, or power of expression, or sympathy, on account of which, wherever they are, they become the object of general interest. Jesus was one of these when here. Sometimes He tried to escape from the crowd. But He could not be hid. He was largely discussed by the people of His country and time; in some cases favourably, in other cases very unfavourably. In the end they rejected His claims.
He soon after attracted very wide attention outside Judaism. For it was part of His plan and purpose that after His earthly life and work were completed, He should be proclaimed more extensively than among His own countrymen. His apostles preached Him freely among the heathen. Not without effect. Communities sprang up in every direction in Asia and in Europe, called by His name, and held together by their common belief of the things concerning Him. One apostle quotes this part of our text in illustration of his own action in spreading the knowledge of Christ among the heathen (Romans 15:20-21).
He attracts attention still. He is extensively preached and believed in at the present time; more than at any previous time. He exerts the most valuable and gracious influence on those that receive His truth. He gradually through them leavens and modifies society, making His influence felt even where it is not recognised as His. His claims are regularly brought before the attention of countless multitudes, and are more or less considered by them. And they are, according to prophetic Scripture, destined to be made known over the wide world.
II. View Him as exciting extreme astonishment.
1. His humiliation did. “As many were astonished at Thee; His visage was so marred more than any man, and His form more than the sons of men.” Were the sufferings of Jesus depicted on His face? Was the personal beauty which tradition attributes to Him spoiled by His experience of suffering? That Messiah should appear in so lowly a form as did Jesus of Nazareth, excited disappointed astonishment. There was a revulsion of feeling even on the part of many who had been at first favourably inclined. They could not believe that the great Messianic King would come in so lowly a form.
2. His exaltation did. Even the disciples who believed in Him, and had heard Him speak of resurrection, were astonished when it occurred. The ascension surprised them still more. But they were joyfully surprised. The Jews could not believe that the Crucified One was crowned.—Thus it is still. Christ does not command universal faith even where His claims are known. Men do not trust those whom they deem unfortunate. They cannot receive a humbled Christ. The offence of the cross has not ceased. That He who was crucified should be exalted is of difficult belief to many. Yet some believe. They admire, while they wonder at, the wisdom and the love that shine through the redemptive plan.
III. View Him as bestowing saving blessings. “So shall He sprinkle many nations.” This word is capable of two interpretations.
1. That which points directly to the impartation of the blessing. Under the law there were washings and sprinklings that made reconciliation for sinners, or cleansed them from sin. When Jesus comes with His salvation He reconciles to God, and cleanses the soul from sin.
2. That which points to the effect of the blessing. They shall spring up with joy, as those leap who have found great treasure. Is not the influence of Christ joy-creating everywhere?
He does this on an extensive scale. “Many nations.” There is a universal sufficiency in His atoning blood. There is also a widely extensive efficacy. The Gospel is for man. Jesus bade His followers preach it among all nations. The redeemed are a multitude that no man can number (Revelation 5:9).
IV. View Him as winning reverent homage. “The kings shall shut their mouths at Him.” It indicates the reverence in which they hold Him who conquers all opposition. It includes,
1. Honour. They see His power and glory, with which none can vie. Like conquered kings they confess His superiority.
2. Love. For He attaches them to Himself with personal admiration and love.
3. Obedience. They willingly obey His commands, although formerly they resisted His authority; for His laws are written on their hearts.
Thus the text exhibits not only the glory of Christ, but the great importance of the sentiments with which He is regarded.
1. Some hate Him. The Gospel does not commend itself to their approbation. It is utterly distasteful to them. Its doctrines are too humbling, or its precepts are too holy. Their pride flies from the Crucified, their sinfulness from the crowned Saviour. A mighty change must take place in your spirit before you can be safe.
2. Some are indifferent to Him. You think it matters little what you think of Christ, so long as you are not actively hostile to Him. But it does matter. Union with Christ; a spiritual union, formed with consent of mind, and heart, and will, makes all the difference between life in Christ, and death without Him.
3. Some love Him. There is a deep personal love between Christ and His people. Although on the throne of the universe, He finds room in His heart for each believer, however lowly, and they for Him; “Whom, having not seen, ye love.”—J. Rawlinson.