November 11, 2012

All We Like Sheep

Isaiah 53:6 God likens the nature of people to that of sheep. All we like sheep have gone astray...Is a sheep bad because it acts according to its nature? A sheep is made to wander and graze. We all do it in some manner or another. Its part of our nature. This is why we need to stay full of the Holy Ghost. It is in our nature to turn to our own way. Whatever the course of life or mode of action we normally take in any given situation, we will turn to our natural inclination. The Bible teaches us that in our fallen state this is called iniquity. Iniquity is a word that has changed meaning over the years. It originally meant inequity; injustice; unrighteousness; a deviation from rectitude. It is a weakness in the character of a person that originated from the sins of their forefathers. It is not just a bad action but a lack of right principles in our lives. God said He wouldnt visit our iniquities upon us but that doesnt means they arent there. It simply means He wont punish us for having these evil inclinations. He allows them to remain until we see these weak areas in our lives and well seek Him to help us correct them. When we see our own evil ways in our children sometimes it is only then that we seek to change our ways. When your child behaves poorly and you realize thats how you respond to similar situations, you will say in your heart, Lord, thats what I do! Please forgive me and help me to change! These weak areas of character are different for everyone. We get hung up on the manifestation of our iniquities. But its much deeper than that. We wander astray from what is right when things dont go according to our plans. Some get angry while others retreat to drug abuse or alcohol, while still others completely emotionally shut down. Others become workaholics and others become physically or verbally abusive to those around them. It all stems from our own particular iniquity. Notice that the prophet didnt exclude himself from this misunderstood word. He said All we like sheep have gone astray... No one is exempt from weaknesses in character. Its easy to point out your short-coming but please dont notice mine! It was so important to the Lord for us to recognize this problem in our nature that the prophet was inspired to include its remedy along with the answer to our transgressions. ...the Lord hath laid on Him the iniquity of us all. Who is He speaking about? The Bible explains itself. Acts 8:32-35 Philip preached unto him Jesus. Jesus was led as a lamb to my judgment. Jesus did not open His mouth against the injustice done to Him for my faults, my lack of morals and my sins. He took my punishment. Thats why God said He wouldnt visit our iniquities when they are discovered. But He uses these things to bring us to realize that we are the ones gone astray and He is the Good Shepherd that brings us back to the flock. He seeks us when we go astray. He has placed this ministry in the Body of Christ, the people of His flock. He was wrongly oppressed (to drive as an animal), and He was afflicted (to depress or bear down with haughty, stern looks or arrogant speech). He took it all on our behalf. He never resisted this injustice. His was the ultimate prejudice and bigotry. This is not to take away from any people have suffered in their lives, but it is to say that Jesus knows how you feel when it happens to you. He does understand injustice and malice. He was acquainted with grief and He carried our sorrows. People afflicted Him, too. Heb. 4:15 our high priest can be touched with the feeling of our moral frailties. He understands His people. He goes and searches for those who have gone astray and carries them back to His fold. The church does provide a refuge, a safe haven for those who struggle with deep-rooted spiritual problems. The healing of the individual begins with their spirit. Thats where the Lord begins the work in your life. Too often the church has been plagued by people who forgot where they came from. Moral superiority has replaced compassion and grace. Mercy is preferred by God over traditions of men. Though a standard needs to be lifted up before the people, it should never be so high and mighty that the weakest among us cannot attain to it. And I should strive for its perfection. But the cost of my perfection is love for my Lord Jesus. My relationship with Christ Jesus is more important than

anyones moral standards. Morality is essential, but it can easily become self-righteousness, which we all know is like filthy rags to God. I am only righteous because of Jesus. He is my righteousness! In speaking to His disciples, Jesus taught them not to worry about what they would eat the next day or what they would wear for clothes in the future or be of a doubtful mind, but to seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness. If we do that all these other things will be added to us. But in Lukes account of that teaching He goes on to say, Fear not, little flock; for it is your Fathers good pleasure to give you the kingdom (Luke 12:32). My position in His kingdom is a gift from God. He gave me my position. He gave me my righteousness. He gave me my blessings. He gave me you. He is my all in all! Yes, all we like sheep have gone astray, but the Lord laid on Jesus the iniquity of us all. In order for my sins to be blotted out I must recognize the shed blood of Jesus Christ. In order for my iniquities to be purged I must recognize the shed blood of Jesus Christ. He did no violence to anyone, he never deceived anyone, yet He made His grave with the wicked and with those rich in death. People live death, and do a prosperous job of it in this life! But Jesus became poor so He could rescue even the rich in death. Isaiah 53: 10-12 iniquity was found in these verses, too. He provided relief for the weaknesses in our character if only we will accept and receive His terms. It will require a surrender of our will to obtain our victory in this area of our lives. Are you willing to give in to Jesus and lay down your own ways? From that day He will bless you! If His light has revealed the place of your iniquity His Word also provides your deliverance. He will make you free when you surrender to His will. He has given us His Spirit because He knows we cant do it on our own. Come unto Him and He will enable you to be an overcomer. May God bless you!