God’s Suffering Servant, Our Savior and Example #2456

7 He was oppressed, and he was afflicted, yet he opened not his mouth; like a lamb that is led to the slaughter, and like a sheep that before its shearers is silent, so he opened not his mouth. 8 By oppression and judgment he was taken away; and as for his generation, who considered that he was cut off out of the land of the living, stricken for the transgression of my people? (Isaiah 53:7–8, ESV)

The Ethiopian read this stunning prophecy of Christ in his chariot during his return home from Jerusalem, where he had worshiped (Acts 8:27-33). Perplexed about its meaning, he asked Philip to join him and explain it. So, beginning with this Scripture, Philip preached Jesus to him, leading to his salvation (Acts 8:34-39). Approximately 700 years before His crucifixion, Isaiah described God’s suffering and sin-bearing servant (Isa. 53). Jesus fulfilled this prophecy. What marvelous humility and complete willingness to endure injustice, agony, and death without defiantly opening His mouth (Matt. 26:59-68). Depicted as a docile sheep being led to slaughter, in death, Jesus “suffered for us, leaving us an example, that we should follow His steps” (1 Pet. 2:21-24). He bore the pains of death for us, an offering for sin accepted by God (Isa. 53:10-12). When people revile you for the name of Christ, do not “revile in return.” Instead, bear the reproach of Christ and commit yourself to God who judges righteously (1 Pet. 2:23; Heb. 13:13-14). Like Jesus, may we surrender ourselves to doing God’s will, knowing He is faithful safely secure our souls in Christ (Heb. 13:5-6).

Blasphemies #1580

For out of the heart proceed evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, fornications, thefts, false witness, blasphemies. (Matthew 15:19, NKJV)

The last in this series of sins proceeding from the heart is blasphemies. It means to speak evil of or to rail against (Strong’s Dict.); railing, reviling, “slanderous detraction, speech injurious to another’s good name” (Thayer). Blasphemy is the expression of malice and contempt, and can be directed toward God and toward people (Matthew 12:31-32; Colossians 3:8; 1 Timothy 6:4). The sin of blasphemy is notably applied to “impious and reproachful speech” against God and His divine majesty (cf. Daniel 11:36; Mark 2:7). For example, taking God’s name in vain is surely a form of blasphemy because such cursing impiously slanders God (Exodus 20:7). Like Saul before his conversion, we are blasphemers when we speak against Christ and His gospel (1 Timothy 1:13). This warns us that even when we think we are serving God (as did Saul), we may in fact be blasphemers (Acts 26:9-11; John 16:2). Take extreme care not to speak against the truth of Christ, for to do so is to speak against God Himself (Revelation 2:9). To rail against the Bible is blasphemy against God Himself. Guard your heart so it does not lead your mouth to blasphemy the Father, the Son, the Holy Spirit, and God’s holy word. Speak kindly of men, too (Ephesians 4:31-32). Slanderous reviling reveals a malicious heart that must be put away (James 1:21; 1 Peter 2:1-3).