How does Psalm 22 and Isaiah 53 foreshadow the Suffering Servant?

Crucifixion was invented in the ancient near East and one of the earliest accounts of mass execution through the cross was Darius I’s crucifixion of three thousand political dissidents in Babylon. Thousands have suffered the inexplicable horror of crucifixion but Christ’s crucifixion remains unique. He was the sinless Savior who bore the cumulative sufferings of all mankind. On the cross, Christ cried out the words uttered by David a millennium earlier: “Eli, Eli, lema sabachthani?” – which means “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” (Matthew 27:46). 

Though there are few today who doubt the execution of Christ on the cross, there has been vehement opposition for the very psalm to which Jesus drew attention with his dying words – “My God, my God, why have you forsaken men?” (Psalm 22:1). Was David “merely” referring to his own suffering or did it foreshadow Christ’s crucifixion? Likewise, does the suffering Servant in Isaiah 53 point to the nation of Israel or to the Messiah? Though there are scores of messianic prophecies, the upcoming blogs will look at Psalm 22 and Isaiah 53 in its entirety to show that Jesus Christ is the suffering Servant. 

The Berenstain Bears: Love One Another by Mike Berenstain

With its warm and engaging story and characters, The Berenstain Bears: Love One Another is a celebration of the ways we can show love for those around us. In this volume, the cubs are helping Mama make berry muffins for a neighbor. When the cubs ask, “Can we eat the muffins when they are done?” Mama replies, “We are taking these muffins to Mrs Grizzly. She just had twin cubs.” She reminds them that when we love one another we find ways to help each other. This is a simple yet poignant reminder to exercise such virtues as love and kindness that not only applies to children but to adults as well. Read it to your young ones and be edified by its reminder!

Pray A to Z by Amelia Rhodes

What a friend we have in Jesus, all our sins and grieves to bear. What a privilege to carry everything to God in prayer. The key of course is everything! That means it excludes nothing. How would your community change if you actually prayed instead of just saying “I’ll pray for you”. How would it affect your neighbors and people around you if you pray sincerely, purposefully, and intensely? In Pray A to Z by Amelia Rhodes offers a practical guide to pray for your community with fervency and purpose. Rhodes offers Bible verses and prayer prompts that are organized topically for every letter of the alphabet. There are five topics for each letter. Three prayers of petition asking God to work in a certain area of need and two more prayers of praise that reflect gratitude for God’s presence in our daily lives. It is an attempt to go to our heavenly Father with our requests knowing full well that He will not give us a stone when we ask for bread.

When Jesus Was a Green Eyed Brunette - Max Davis

When Jesus Was a Green Eyed Brunette is a heartwarming reminder by Max Davis to love people like Jesus does. Those who are tired of the status-quo and the worn-out religion are called to take a fresh look at learning to love like Jesus. Max Davis is the author of over 20 published books and has been featured in USA Today and Publishers Weekly and has also appeared at television shows.

In this book, Davis reveals how Jesus shows up in the lives of ordinary people and points out how He is fully present in every day events and especially in our difficulties and struggles. In the very beginning, the author states that every story has been carefully examined and chewed upon and that he has checked the facts.