“…and the Lord hath laid on Him the iniquity of us all.” Isaiah 53:6
Dear Ones:
Many are the examples and expressions of love that we see in our world, from that of a mother towards her child, to the love of a spouse, a relative, or a friend. Most of these expressions have their origin in the “natural” source and concept of man’s capacities. But when we step into the realm of what the Bible declares of the love of God, we are faced with that which is NOT of this world, which does not have its beginning and essence in the mind and heart of man…only in God. The Apostle Paul even goes so far as to say that the essence and expression of this world’s love has no comparative worth with the love of God. He sums it up by saying, “It profits me NOTHING.” Is Paul saying that we are not to love our neighbor? No, but he is drawing a line of distinction between the quality, quantity, and essence of the love of God as opposed to that of man.
In Isaiah 53, we have a very graphic and detailed picture of love. Already in Isaiah’s writings he has declared, “For unto us a child is born, unto us a Son is given, and the government shall rest upon His shoulders.” (Is. 9:6) In Isaiah 53, it is shown us what this “child” and “Son” must embrace, endure, and effectively accomplish, in order for us to be forgiven of our sins, and given new Life. Christ was, “…wounded for our transgressions, …bruised for our iniquities, …the chastisement (punishment) of (for) our peace was upon Him…by His stripes we are healed.” (v.5) Here is the greatest expression of Divine Love. The spotless, sacrificial Lamb, takes upon Himself the sin of the entire world, and tastes death for every man. It is important to remember at this point what we ARE as opposed to what He (Christ) is. Scripture tells us that we are sheep…and that we have ALL gone astray, we have turned every one to his own way.” (v.6) What is the value of a sheep as opposed to the Eternal Son of God? Paul uses another illustration to make this distinction of worth, or importance. He says that, from a human perspective, a person might be willing to give his life for a righteous person, or a “good” person. But when it comes to God, He has given His Son to give His life for the ungodly, the sinner or enemy of God. What a contrast!
Natural love is a good thing, one person towards another. The love of God, which He wills that we know and exhibit, is quite another, for it is “self-less.” Herein is the power of such love, for there is no thought of self, but only of the one loved. The Lord Jesus could love us, and die upon the cross to pay the price for our sins, but He would do so for His Father, by His power, and for His glory. We are called upon to “follow in His steps.” There is NO way nor capacity by which an individual can selflessly love another except by the power of Christ’s love. It is for this reason that Paul prays for the Ephesians: “…to know the love of Christ, which passes knowledge.” (3:19)
Dear Father, teach us to love, and to love with Thy love, by the Spirit. Give us grace to be so in love with Christ, considering what He has done for us, that His love will be revealed to others, as we walk by faith in You. “Love through us love of God…” We thank Thee, in Jesus’ name, Amen.
Love, Dad