Mar 31

“He will see his offspring . . .” (Is. 53:10).

How can this be? First Isaiah laments the fact that Jesus died on the cross before seemingly accomplishing anything, not even producing descendants to carry on his mission. Yet only a couple of verses later he mentions the fact that he will see his offspring. So which is it?

We already know which it is. We have already seen that the only way to produce children for the God who is spirit is to do so spiritually, not physically. Therefore, Jesus will indeed see his offspring -- spiritually.

By his death and resurrection he will produce many spiritual children for his heavenly Father. One day, he will march up to the throne of God and say to him:

“Here am I, and the children God has given me” (Hebrews 2:13).

But how is it that God gave him these spiritual children? Did we not hear previously that the Holy Spirit is the one who initiates the work of drawing people to faith in Christ? Yes, but as in all other aspects of spiritual reality, though we may speak of the triune God and separate the activities of each person of that trinity, in reality, it is still one God and unity in all God's workings.
Therefore, it is proper to say that God the Father himself gave Jesus the spiritual children for whom his heart desires. The Holy Spirit draws people to faith in Christ; so does the Father.

Jesus said: “No one can come to me unless the Father has enabled him” (John 6:65).

Scripture for today: Hebrews 2:11-18
Thought for today: Jesus is my brother -- in reality and in suffering, because reality involves suffering.
Prayer for today: Thank you, Jesus, for being one of us and sharing in our suffering and for making me a child of God.

MAR 31