Isaiah 53:10-12 NLT
But it was the LORD's good plan to crush Him and cause Him grief. Yet when His life is made an offering for sin, He will have many descendants. He will enjoy a long life, and the LORD's good plan will prosper in His Hands. [11] When He sees all that is accomplished by His anguish, He will be satisfied. And because of His experience, My Righteous Servant will make it possible for many to be counted righteous, for He will bear all their sins. [12] I will give Him the honours of a victorious soldier, because He exposed Himself to death. He was counted among the rebels. He bore the sins of many and interceded for rebels.
I sit here a so very grateful "redeemed rebel" this morning.
Today is my Tisha b'av - a devastating day etched deep in my memory - one which broke my heart and shattered my dreams 26 years ago.
I couldn't see a way ahead on that day. I remember falling on my knees by my bed and just weakly crying to Jesus - dazed and incredulous.
I had it all planned out - so meticulously - but those plans crumpled to dust in an instant - betrayed by someone I loved and trusted - I was dumbfounded.
Today's devotional says it right:
"Let it sink in: there are no accidents in the Christian’s life. God doesn’t take His hand off the wheel of your life for a nanosecond. What appear to be “random crazy acts,” God says fall within His purview. Have cruel or careless people broken your heart or stolen your dreams? By the time their sin splashed onto your life, it was the will of God for you — the God who loves you intensely."
I was going down a wrong path, but couldn't see it. Ever the rebel, I was intent on pursuing the way that seemed right in my eyes.
But Jesus interceded for this rebel and redeemed the heart break.
He took on my anguish and broken dreams there on the Cross. Lovingly He guided me through each dark, bitter moment out into the sunlit vista of His Plans.
I look back with such a thankful heart tracing His amazing grace to me.
Take courage in your darkest days, Jesus is interceding for you.
You too can be one of His "redeemed rebels!"
Comments