He Was Despised

He was despised and rejected by mankind, a man of suffering, and familiar with pain. Like one from whom people hide their faces he was despised, and we held him in low esteem. Surely he took up our pain and bore our suffering, yet we considered him punished by God, stricken by him, and afflicted. — Isaiah 53:3-4

This passage is talking about how Jesus was treated.

The Son of God, who gave His life for us.

And yet he was despised.

And rejected by mankind.

Suffering and familiar with pain and grief.

Even though He took on our pain, we hid our faces from Him.

We held Jesus in low esteem.

He bore our suffering.

And we despised Him.

Be Enthusiastic

Do not lag in zeal, be enthusiastic in spirit, serve the Lord. Rejoice in hope, endure in suffering, persist in prayer. — Romans 12:11 

On this memorial day, we remember those who have served our country and gave their lives for our freedom.

God calls us to be enthusiastic in spirit as we serve Him.

To endure in suffering and rejoice in hope.

When we go through tough times, God helps us to endure in suffering.

And to persist in prayer.

So that we can continue in zeal for the Lord.

Jesus Was Despised

He was despised and rejected by mankind, a man of suffering, and familiar with pain. Like one from whom people hide their faces he was despised, and we held him in low esteem. — Isaiah 53:3

Yesterday my team moved down to the 4th floor of our building.

For the past two years we have been on the 7th floor with beautiful views.

Now the views are not quite as spectacular, but we do have two patios with balconies.

We're talking about putting a conference table and chairs on at least one of them so we can have outdoor meetings.

During this season of Lent, we remember what Jesus sacrificed for us.

He was despised and rejected by humankind.

Christ was familiar with pain.

Jesus was despised.

And we held him in low esteem.

Crucified on a cross with criminals by His side.

All for love.

Amazing!

Imitators of the Lord

You became imitators of the Lord, for you welcomed the message in the midst of severe suffering with the joy given by the Holy Spirit. — 1 Thessalonians 1:6

Some of our missionary friends have known suffering.

We are blessed that we have not. 

Even in the midst of suffering, these friends live out the Gospel with joy.

They live out joy given by the Holy Spirit.

They are imitators of the Lord.