THE ARM OF THE LORD
[p. 39] THE ARM OF THE LORD
Isaiah 53:1-6; Isaiah 53:11 (first part)
The prophet raises a question in verse 1, “Who hath believed our report?” It suggests that so few would believe the report that they had to be enquired after in order to find them.
Our hearts are comforted at this time in knowing that our dear departed brother did believe the report, and the arm of the Lord was revealed to him. The evidence of it was the change that took place in his history. At one time like all the rest of us, he had no appreciation of the beauty of Christ, no eyes to see the attractiveness of the divine Saviour who came in love into this world to suffer on account of what we were. But a time came when there was a total change, and he began to realise what is written here: “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, and with his stripes we are healed”.
We are greatly comforted to know that our beloved brother truly took up the language of verses 4, 5 and 6. He realised that his transgressions and iniquities were borne by Jesus on the cross. Christ and His precious death were the foundation of his faith, and they are the ground on which he is now with the Lord. The apostle Paul had no more righteous title to be in the presence of God cleansed from all sin, than our brother has. It is through Christ, and Christ alone, that any of us can be in blessing before God — through the shedding of the precious blood of Christ.
Is it possible that there could be one here who would dare to think of being before God on any other ground? Surely we dare not continue to think little of Christ. We must owe everything to Him; then shall we not render to Him all that is left of our little life here below?
In verse 11 we read, “He ... shall be satisfied”. The Lord Jesus is going to see through eternal days the travail of His soul. The arm of the Lord is revealed in bringing about what there is, and will be eternally, even an answer and recompense to all that [p. 40] Christ suffered on the cross. It is the arm of the Lord that works conviction of sin and repentance and brings souls to faith in Christ, and finally to glory. The One who wrought the great work by suffering on the cross will yet see the fruit of it and be satisfied. It is wonderful to think of it. And it is sweet to think that our beloved brother will be part of what will be for the eternal satisfaction of the heart of Christ, who suffered and died for him. May each one here be assured, through faith in Christ, of having a like portion!
A Word given at a Burial