He Was Cut Off

January 23-24, 2014 - He Was Cut Off – Manna by Dorothy Callies

Isaiah 53:8 “He was taken from prison and from judgment: and who shall declare His generation? For he was cut off out of the land of the living: for the transgression of my people was he stricken.”

The phrase, “He was taken from prison and from judgment” may interpret as “without protection, without justice, he was taken away”– NEB. “They did away with him unjustly”-Mof. [The Bible from 26 Translations by Curtis Vaughan, Th.D. General Editor] In a way I would say: “They were not being fair to Him because they didn’t give Him a fair trial and justice.” The word, stricken means to deliver a stroke or blow; to hit or to attack; to pierce. NLT interpreted “he was suffering their punishment.”

The phrase, “for he was cut off” brought attention to Daniel 9:26 “And after threescore and two weeks shall Messiah be cut off …” The commentary explained that the Messiah, the Anointed One, will be rejected and killed by His own people.

Acts 8:33 NLT “He was humiliated and received no justice. Who can speak of his descendants? For his life was taken from the earth.” Philip rode with a man from Ethiopia who had read Isaiah 53. An Ethiopia man had asked for help to understand the scripture from Isaiah 53:7-8 and Philip opened his mouth, and began at the same scripture, and preached unto him Jesus (Acts 8:35). (Ref. Acts 8:26-40).

This prophecy was fulfilled when the Scripture quoted, “He was cut off” which pointed out to the very end of His life at the cross. The suffering of Christ utters His final words with a loud voice, “It is finished.” This cry signifies the end of His sufferings and the completion of the work of redemption. The debt for our sin has been paid in full, and the plan of salvation established. Only then does He offer a final prayer, “Father, into Thy hands I commend my spirit.” (Ref: Mat.27:50; Jn.19:30; Lu.23:26)

               Song: Blessed Redeemer

1. Up Calvary’s mountain, one dreadful morn,

    Walked Christ my Savior weary and worn,

    Facing for sinners death on the cross

    That He might save them from endless loss.

Chorus:

   Blessed Redeemer! Precious Redeemer!

   Seems now I see Him on Calvary’s tree;

   Wounded and bleeding, for sinners pleading,

   Blind and unheeding, dying for me!

2. O how I love Him, Savior and Friend,

    How can my praises ever find end!

    Thro’ years un-numbered on heaven’s shore,

    My tongue shall praise Him forevermore.

      (Lyrics: Avis Burgeson Christiansen, Sing His Praise)