We live in a culture that is so bombarded by messages that none are listened to. How then can the gospel break out? Isaiah’s prophecy on Jesus in Isaiah 52&53 gives clues. Isaiah 53 shows the frustration.
Isaiah 53 Who has believed our message
and to whom has the arm of the Lord been revealed?
The Lord himself is blanked out!
…So will many nations be amazed at him
and kings will shut their mouths because of him.
The final outcome is clear: ‘The nations are amazed’. So the Lord breaks through. Who is the person the Lord uses?
Isaiah 52:14 Just as there were many who were appalled at him –
his appearance was so disfigured.
In the world of messages, the Lord’s servant doesn’t stand a chance. His appearance is all wrong. This is a message that brings us hope. God is not limited by our appearances.
Isaiah 52: 13 See, my servant will prosper (NIV Margin)
he will be raised and lifted up and highly exalted.
This person, who breaks through despite appearances, is identified as the Lord’s servant. He is living the faith in every area of life; walking with the Lord wherever He leads. Living this way, the Lord feels comfortable to exalt them.
For what they were not told, they will see,
and what they have not heard, they will understand.
We need to live the message so people can see in a culture where they will never hear. This takes time, but the lives affected are affected more solidly.
You will find the fuller study from which this is drawn at biblebase2adaringfaith