April 13

"As many were astonished at thee: his visage was so marred more than any man, and his form more than the sons of men: so shall he sprinkle many nations." -- Isaiah 52:14, 15.

WE cannot be mistaken in the individual to whom the prophet here refers. He speaks not of himself, but of some other man, the Man Christ Jesus. Three things are here observed respecting him.

THE WONDER HE EXCITED. "As many were astonished at thee." Every thing about the Saviour was wonderful. How mysterious was the union of the Divine and human nature in one Person! Many were astonished at his birth, the poverty of his condition, his doctrine, his miracles, his kindness and compassion, his sufferings and death, his resurrection and ascension.

THE SUFFERINGS HE ENDURED. These are here alluded to in a most touching manner; his countenance indicated the pains of body and agonies of soul he felt. How well was he called "a Man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief"! He who is fairer than the children of men in the dignity of his Person, the glory of his nature, and the excellences of his character, had "his visage marred more than any man, and his form more than the sons of men." These sufferings were voluntarily endured on his part, cruelly inflicted by his enemies, but efficacious in their results.

THE GRACE HE MANIFESTS. "So shall he sprinkle many nations." Every thing is observable here.

The nature of the blessing. "He shall sprinkle." This may allude to the sprinkling of blood on the door-posts, in the Jewish passover. The blood of sprinkling is applied to the conscience. It is emblematical of the outpouring of the Spirit.

The manner in which it is imparted. "So shall he sprinkle;" that is, in this manner, by these sufferings. Thus "by his stripes we are healed."

The number that shall participate in it. "Many nations." The sacred influence of his grace shall be received by countless myriads of souls, Gentiles as well as Jews.