He Bore The Penalty

I will give [my righteous servant] the honors 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.

Isaiah 53:12

OUR WORLD OFFERS many honors. The Pulitzer Prize is awarded for various types of journalistic and literary writing. Those who show excellence in television productions receive an Emmy. The Nobel Prize is given to those who achieve great success in the arts and sciences. Add to these the Oscar, the MacArthur “Genius” Grant Award, the Grammy, and numerous other awards. Victorious soldiers receive medals for their heroic actions. Even Christian organizations give awards to those who have excelled in different niches and skills.

What prize do you think Jesus deserves for what he did? Saving us. Dying for our sins. Destroying death once and for all. Giving us valuable and life-transforming teachings. Interceding for us now at the right hand of God. Performing miracles of help, healing, and power.

In Isaiah 53, the prophet paints a picture of Jesus as the suffering servant of God. But after all his pain and trouble, the passage comes to this final moment: revealing the honors God will give to him.

Jesus, however, isn’t interested in medals, trophies, statues, or other awards. What he wants is our love, honor, and worship. When we give him these heartfelt offerings, he promises to shower us with awards and gifts too. He will give us a special calling to fulfill his work. Then, when we honor and follow his example, we, too, will share in his rewards.