March 24

Date: Tuesday, March 24
Read: Isaiah 53:1-6, 10-12

Devotion:
We reside in a culture that teaches the lesson, the best get the best and the worst get the worst.
First place gets the biggest trophy, the ones with the most money get the best things, but the
people with less must have done something to deserve less, right? Isaiah 53 challenges this
way of thinking. In this passage, we are introduced to the “suffering servant”. This is one who
was rejected and misunderstood not because of wrong he had done, but because he took on
the sins of others. While people assumed that he was being punished by God, really the
purpose was much greater: he bore the burdens of others so that they could be restored.
Ultimately, this passage points to Jesus. His life, rejection, and sacrifice all fit the description that
is given in this passage. He was innocent and yet he took on the weight of sin for the world’s
sake. This reminds us that suffering is not always a sign that we have done something wrong,
rather just a small part of a bigger story that we cannot yet see. God can work through hardship
in ways that bring growth and blessing. If you are in a season of struggle, know that you are not
alone and God has not abandoned you. If you are in a season of joy, consider how you can
bless someone around you who may be in that season of hurting. God’s ways are bigger than
our understanding, but we can trust that he is always working even in the midst of suffering.

Reflect: Who is someone that you know in your life that is struggling? How can you be a
blessing to that person in their difficult time.

Pray: Dear Lord, we know that you are a God that listens to our prayers. Help us to be strong in
times of struggle and to remain faithful to you. In times of light and success, lead us to those
who are lost in the darkness. Thank you for alwaying being there to love and to guide even in
times where we fail to see it. Lastly, thank you for the community of believers who are able to
come together to worship you and go through life together through the highs and the lows. It’s in
your name we pray, Amen.