Isaiah 52-53
H - "Therefore I [the Father] will divide him [Jesus] a portion with the many [believers], and he [Jesus] shall divide the spoil with the strong, because he poured out his soul to death and was numbered with the transgressors [sinful humanity]. Yet he bore the sin of many, and makes intercession for the transgressors." - Isaiah 53:12
E - God informs Israel, through Isaiah, that his Servant, the Messiah, will suffer and die for the sins of the people. Through this death, payment for sin will be made, and many will be counted righteous. Truly, penal substitutionary atonement through Jesus's death is the cornerstone doctrine of the Bible.
A - Father, am I adequately communicating the cross of Christ in my ministry?
R - "No, you're not. Constantly communicate the cross. Don't neglect it. Even when you are preaching on sanctification topics, preach the cross. I want you to memorise Isaiah 52:13-53:12. Do it now!"
P - Yes, Father. Forgive me for neglecting the doctrine of the cross in my preaching and teaching. Thank you for our Saviour Jesus, who came into our world and became a human being, only to die upon a cross. Thank you for his victory over sin and death. Thank you for the empty tomb and the new life we have through the cross. Father, help me to memorise this important text and to internalise it deeply within me, so that it comes forth naturally in my ministry. I love you and want to be more and more devoted to your Son, my Saviour. Thank you for the cross!
- Jeff Coleman