Day 21: Isaiah 53:12
Therefore I will divide him a portion with the many, and he shall divide the spoil with the strong, because he poured out his soul to death and was numbered with the transgressors; yet he bore the sin of many, and makes intercession for the transgressors.
Jesus left heaven, for life on earth, to be numbered with the transgressors (sinners). The baby born and placed in a manger is the eternal son of God, second person of the Trinity, and one with the Father who came to die. In his death he would bear the “sin of many”, meaning all those who trust him. Hebrews 7:25 makes clear that Jesus is able to save completely and at all times those who draw near to God through him, because he “always lives to make intercession for them.”
The anticipated savior, born in a manger, executed on a cross, lives and intercedes for believers right now. Jesus came to live and to give life. It is remarkable grace to be able to throw ourselves completely onto Jesus, crucified and resurrected, and draw near to God. We could not earn God’s love, but he loved us and redeemed us by grace, through faith. Jesus gives us far more than a good life in this world; he brings us to God. At Christmas time we ask for gifts, but the real blessing is time with those who give gifts. Are you drawing near to God who gives such a tremendous gift to us?