Today's Verse: Isaiah 53:5 (NIV)

But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was upon him, and by his wounds we are healed.

According to the Teacher's Commentary, Isaiah speaks of Israel's Sovereign Lord as coming in power. Yet, he also speaks of this King as a Servant who will suffer for us.

Today's Hymn: O SACRED HEAD, NOW WOUNDED
Attributed to Bernard of Clairvaux, 1091–1153

O sacred Head, now wounded, with grief and shame weighed down,
now scornfully surrounded with thorns Thy only crown;
how art Thou pale with anguish, with sore abuse and scorn!
How does that visage languish which once was bright as morn!

What Thou, my Lord, hast suffered was all for sinners’ gain:
Mine, mine was the transgression, but Thine the deadly pain.
Lo, here I fall, my Savior! ’Tis I deserve Thy place;
look on me with Thy favor; vouch-safe to me Thy grace.

What language shall I borrow to thank Thee, dearest Friend,
for this Thy dying sorrow, Thy pity without end?
O make me Thine forever! And, should I fainting be,
Lord, let me never, never outlive my love to Thee!

Osbeck, Kenneth W.: Amazing Grace : 366 Inspiring Hymn Stories for Daily Devotions. Grand Rapids, Mich. : Kregel Publications, 1990, S. 113

Today's Comments:

The hymn above, when put to Bach's music is also known as O Sacred Head Sore Wounded. Handel's Messiah is another piece which is taken from the writings of the Prophet Isaiah. In this particular section, Handel quotes from Isaiah:

Surely, surely He hath borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows; He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities, the chastisement of our peace was upon Him.

These words from Isaiah are powerful words, made even more powerful for the human ear by the music which presents them. These words tell us that Christ suffered and gave His life so that we might be restored to righteousness with God. What more can we ask from our God? What more can He give to us than that which He already has?