Isaiah chapter 52 illustrates a well-beloved prophecy concerning the Lord Jesus Christ and His crucifixion. Verse 14 testifies to the seriousness of His crucifixion as it points out that Christ's “visage was so marred more than any man, and his form more than the sons of men.” These truths point to His physical sufferings, but in no way detract from the spiritual sufferings Christ suffered on the cross. The fact that He took our sins upon Himself remains beyond our comprehension. This same truth applies to the physical sufferings that were more than any man could withstand. With the crucifixion as its context, Isaiah chapter 52 declares that Christ would deal with prudence. The book of Hebrews reinforces this truth as it points out that He “for the joy that was set before him endured the cross” (Hebrews 12:2). The Lord's every action was performed with prudence. We, as the Lord's servants, ought to follow the example He set for us.
Many people view meekness as an inherent weakness, yet the Bible corrects this faulty notion. The ability to demonstrate meekness in a time of ridicule or persecution displays strength. Today's passage reveals that a man slow to anger is “better than the mighty.” In fact, a man that “ruleth his spirit” is better than a military conqueror who “taketh a city.” Rather than a weakness, the ability to demonstrate meekness is a sign of great strength. The Bible declares that the Lord Jesus Christ was meek (Matthew 11:29); yet He simultaneously held the world together “by the word of His power” (Hebrews 1:3). We see that God referred to Moses as meek, yet he had the power through the Lord to part the Red Sea (Exodus 14:21) and to open the earth and swallow his enemies (Numbers 16:28-34). Weak individuals respond in anger when attacked; those who are strong exercise meekness.
