One Solitary Life

He was born in an obscure village, the child of a peasant. He grew up in another village, where he worked in a carpenter shop until he was thirty. Then, for three years, he was an itinerant preacher.

He never wrote a book. He never held an office. He never had a family or owned a home. He didn't go to college. He never lived in a big city. He never traveled two hundred miles from the place where he was born. He did none of the things that usually accompany greatness. He had no credentials but himself.

He was only thirty-three when the tide of public opinion turned against him. His friends ran away. One of them denied him. He was turned over to his enemies and went through the mockery of a trial. He was nailed to a cross between two thieves. While he was dying, his executioners gambled for his garments, the only property he had on earth. When he was dead, he was laid in a borrowed grave, through the pity of a friend.

Twenty centuries have come and gone, and today he is the central figure of the human race. I am well within the mark when I say that all the armies that ever marched, all the navies that ever sailed, all the parliaments that ever sat, all the kings that ever reigned, put together, have not affected the life of man on this earth as much as that one, solitary life.
- James Allan Francis, One Solitary Life

The Book of Isaiah

I recently read an article by an atheist called Why Isaiah 53 Is Not About Jesus. I don't know the author personally; nevertheless, I have complete respect for anyone willing to examine their faith, and the Bible in particular. Unfortunately, we don't all reach the same conclusion for a variety of reasons, but it's a well thought out and well written article, and I enjoyed reading it, even though I disagree with the conclusion. The premise of the article is that Christians incorrectly conclude that Jesus is the fulfillment of Isaiah 53, doing so based solely on faith, not evidence. I think this article is written more so to Christians that use Isaiah 53 as the only proof for their faith, because the article does allude to the fact that Christianity is not undermined, regardless of who the prophecy refers to.

With that said, even if Christianity is not undermined, I think it's too easy to look at something out of context, and provide alternative theories that seemingly could make sense. For example, I recently had a Muslim friend go to great efforts to prove his theory that it was in fact Lazarus who wrote the 4th gospel (the Gospel of John). In doing so, he provided reasons that it wasn't John the Apostle, then meticulously provided opinions and theories as to why it was Lazarus. The crux of his theory was that Jesus explicitly said He loved Lazarus (John 11:5), so it must have been Lazarus that was the disciple whom Jesus loved, even though we have clear written evidence as to who the disciples were. I have to say, this was one of the better conspiracy theories I've read. Not necessarily because it was believable, but it did make for an exciting didn't see that coming alternate ending. But ultimately it wasn't unique, the goal was to distract us from the obvious truth, and disprove authorship, authenticity, and authority of one of the Gospels, and to no surprise one of the Gospels written by an eyewitness to the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus.

As already mentioned, I don't think the atheistic point of view of Isaiah 53 is trying to undermine the core beliefs of Christianity, but I still find that it's too easy to take something out of context and confuse matters that simply don't need confused. What I mean is that we can't just look at Isaiah 53 and call it a day. There's sixty-six chapters to consider in the Book of Isaiah, and when we examine the entirety of Isaiah, and the Old Testament, it takes very little effort to see that it preannounces Jesus Christ’s incarnation, His earthly ministry, His death on the cross, His second coming, and His eternal kingdom.

If we search long enough we shall find upon every page of Scripture, standing somewhere in the shadow, the outline of the central Person of the Book – the Lord Jesus Christ.
- Pastor M. R. DeHaan

With the help of David Limbaugh's Finding Jesus in the Old Testament, we find a number of very clear prophecies throughout Isaiah, keeping in mind these are merely a subset of the fulfilled prophecies in Isaiah, let alone the entirety of the Old Testament. But these go to the heart of the matter in that we're talking about someone specifically, not a nation.

The most amazing drama that ever was presented to the mind of man – a drama written in prophecy in the Old Testament and in biography in the four Gospels of the New Testament – is the narrative of Jesus the Christ. One outstanding fact, among many, completely isolates Him. It is this: that one man only in the history of the world has had explicit details given beforehand of His birth, life, death, and resurrection; that these details are in documents given to the public centuries before He appeared, and that no one challenges, or can challenge, that these documents were widely circulated long before His birth; and that anyone and everyone can compare for himself/herself the actual records of His life with those ancient documents, and find that they match one another perfectly.
- British pastor D. M. Panton

As you read through these prophecies in the order they were recorded, remember that Isaiah ministered from 739 to 680 BC, and that the Book of Isaiah is the second most quoted Old Testament book in the New Testament, second only to Psalms. Also, with each prophecy ask yourself the following:

• Does the prophecy make more sense in the context of an entire nation or a single person?
• Is it reasonable to conclude that the prophecy refers to Jesus, and if not, who does it refer to?

Once we get through the prophecies we'll discuss whether Isaiah is in fact a trusted source.

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Hearts are hardened

Prophecy

And he said, "Yes, go, and say to this people, 'Listen carefully, but do not understand. Watch closely, but learn nothing.' Harden the hearts of these people. Plug their ears and shut their eyes. That way, they will not see with their eyes, nor hear with their ears, nor understand with their hearts and turn to me for healing."
- Isaiah 6:9-10

Fulfilled

This fulfills the prophecy of Isaiah that says, 'When you hear what I say, you will not understand. When you see what I do, you will not comprehend.
- Matthew 13:14

But the people couldn't believe, for as Isaiah also said, "The Lord has blinded their eyes and hardened their hearts--so that their eyes cannot see, and their hearts cannot understand, and they cannot turn to me and have me heal them."
- John 12:39-40

And after they had argued back and forth among themselves, they left with this final word from Paul: "The Holy Spirit was right when he said to your ancestors through Isaiah the prophet, Go and say to this people: When you hear what I say, you will not understand. When you see what I do, you will not comprehend. For the hearts of these people are hardened, and their ears cannot hear, and they have closed their eyes--so their eyes cannot see, and their ears cannot hear, and their hearts cannot understand, and they cannot turn to me and let me heal them.'
- Acts 28:25-27

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Born of a virgin

Prophecy

All right then, the Lord himself will give you the sign. Look! The virgin will conceive a child! She will give birth to a son and will call him Immanuel (which means 'God is with us').
- Isaiah 7:14

Fulfilled

As he considered this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream. "Joseph, son of David," the angel said, "do not be afraid to take Mary as your wife. For the child within her was conceived by the Holy Spirit. And she will have a son, and you are to name him Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins." All of this occurred to fulfill the Lord's message through his prophet: "Look! The virgin will conceive a child! She will give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel, which means 'God is with us.'"
- Matthew 1:20-23

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A rock of offense

Prophecy

He will keep you safe. But to Israel and Judah he will be a stone that makes people stumble, a rock that makes them fall. And for the people of Jerusalem he will be a trap and a snare.
- Isaiah 8:14

Fulfilled

God warned them of this in the Scriptures when he said, "I am placing a stone in Jerusalem that makes people stumble, a rock that makes them fall. But anyone who trusts in him will never be disgraced."
- Romans 9:33

And, "He is the stone that makes people stumble, the rock that makes them fall." They stumble because they do not obey God's word, and so they meet the fate that was planned for them.
- 1 Peter 2:8

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A light out of darkness

Prophecy

Nevertheless, that time of darkness and despair will not go on forever. The land of Zebulun and Naphtali will be humbled, but there will be a time in the future when Galilee of the Gentiles, which lies along the road that runs between the Jordan and the sea, will be filled with glory.
- Isaiah 9:1

Fulfilled

This fulfilled what God said through the prophet Isaiah: "In the land of Zebulun and of Naphtali, beside the sea, beyond the Jordan River, in Galilee where so many Gentiles live, the people who sat in darkness have seen a great light. And for those who lived in the land where death casts its shadow, a light has shined."
- Matthew 4:14-16

He is a light to reveal God to the nations, and he is the glory of your people Israel!
- Luke 2:32

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God would be born in human flesh and live with us

Prophecy

For a child is born to us, a son is given to us. The government will rest on his shoulders. And he will be called: Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
- Isaiah 9:6

Fulfilled

And she will have a son, and you are to name him Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins."
- Matthew 1:21

"Look! The virgin will conceive a child! She will give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel, which means 'God is with us.'"
- Matthew 1:23

He will be very great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his ancestor David. And he will reign over Israel forever; his Kingdom will never end!"
- Luke 1:32-33

Jesus answered, "I tell you the truth, before Abraham was even born, I Am!"
- John 8:58

The Father and I are one."
- John 10:30

Soon the world will no longer see me, but you will see me. Since I live, you also will live.
- John 14:19

For God was in Christ, reconciling the world to himself, no longer counting people's sins against them. And he gave us this wonderful message of reconciliation.
- 2 Corinthians 5:19

For in Christ lives all the fullness of God in a human body.
- Colossians 2:9

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From the seed of Jesse

Prophecy

Out of the stump of David's family will grow a shoot--yes, a new Branch bearing fruit from the old root.
- Isaiah 11:1

Fulfilled

The Good News is about his Son. In his earthly life he was born into King David's family line,
- Romans 1:3

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Full of wisdom and power

Prophecy

Out of the stump of David’s family will grow a shoot — yes, a new Branch bearing fruit from the old root. And the Spirit of the LORD will rest on him — the Spirit of wisdom and understanding, the Spirit of counsel and might, the Spirit of knowledge and the fear of the LORD. He will delight in obeying the LORD. He will not judge by appearance nor make a decision based on hearsay. He will give justice to the poor and make fair decisions for the exploited. The earth will shake at the force of his word, and one breath from his mouth will destroy the wicked. He will wear righteousness like a belt and truth like an undergarment. In that day the wolf and the lamb will live together; the leopard will lie down with the baby goat. The calf and the yearling will be safe with the lion, and a little child will lead them all. The cow will graze near the bear. The cub and the calf will lie down together. The lion will eat hay like a cow. The baby will play safely near the hole of a cobra. Yes, a little child will put its hand in a nest of deadly snakes without harm. Nothing will hurt or destroy in all my holy mountain, for as the waters fill the sea, so the earth will be filled with people who know the LORD. In that day the heir to David’s throne will be a banner of salvation to all the world. The nations will rally to him, and the land where he lives will be a glorious place.
- Isaiah 11:1-10

Fulfilled

After his baptism, as Jesus came up out of the water, the heavens were opened and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and settling on him.
- Matthew 3:16

For he is sent by God. He speaks God's words, for God gives him the Spirit without limit.
- John 3:34

And in another place Isaiah said, "The heir to David's throne will come, and he will rule over the Gentiles. They will place their hope on him."
- Romans 15:12

But to the Son he says, "Your throne, O God, endures forever and ever. You rule with a scepter of justice. You love justice and hate evil. Therefore, O God, your God has anointed you, pouring out the oil of joy on you more than on anyone else."
- Hebrews 1:8-9 

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The key of David

Prophecy

I will dress him in your royal robes and will give him your title and your authority. And he will be a father to the people of Jerusalem and Judah. I will give him the key to the house of David--the highest position in the royal court. When he opens doors, no one will be able to close them; when he closes doors, no one will be able to open them. He will bring honor to his family name, for I will drive him firmly in place like a nail in the wall. They will give him great responsibility, and he will bring honor to even the lowliest members of his family." But the LORD of Heaven's Armies also says: "The time will come when I will pull out the nail that seemed so firm. It will come out and fall to the ground. Everything it supports will fall with it. I, the LORD, have spoken!"
- Isaiah 22:21-25

Fulfilled

"This is the message from the one who is holy and true, the one who has the key of David. What he opens, no one can close; and what he closes, no one can open: "I know all the things you do, and I have opened a door for you that no one can close. You have little strength, yet you obeyed my word and did not deny me.
- Revelation 3:7-8

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Death swallowed up in victory

Prophecy

In Jerusalem, the LORD of Heaven's Armies will spread a wonderful feast for all the people of the world. It will be a delicious banquet with clear, well-aged wine and choice meat. There he will remove the cloud of gloom, the shadow of death that hangs over the earth. He will swallow up death forever! The Sovereign LORD will wipe away all tears. He will remove forever all insults and mockery against his land and people. The LORD has spoken! In that day the people will proclaim, "This is our God! We trusted in him, and he saved us! This is the LORD, in whom we trusted. Let us rejoice in the salvation he brings!" For the LORD's hand of blessing will rest on Jerusalem. But Moab will be crushed. It will be like straw trampled down and left to rot. God will push down Moab's people as a swimmer pushes down water with his hands. He will end their pride and all their evil works. The high walls of Moab will be demolished. They will be brought down to the ground, down into the dust.
- Isaiah 25:6-12

Fulfilled

Then, when our dying bodies have been transformed into bodies that will never die, this Scripture will be fulfilled: "Death is swallowed up in victory.
- 1 Corinthians 15:54

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A stone in Zion

Prophecy

Therefore, this is what the Sovereign LORD says: "Look! I am placing a foundation stone in Jerusalem, a firm and tested stone. It is a precious cornerstone that is safe to build on. Whoever believes need never be shaken.
- Isaiah 28:16

Fulfilled

Then Jesus asked them, "Didn't you ever read this in the Scriptures? 'The stone that the builders rejected has now become the cornerstone. This is the LORD's doing, and it is wonderful to see.'
- Matthew 21:42

Haven't you read this passage of Scripture: "'The stone the builders rejected has become the cornerstone;
- Mark 12:10

Jesus looked at them and said, "Then what does this Scripture mean? 'The stone that the builders rejected has now become the cornerstone.' Everyone who stumbles over that stone will be broken to pieces, and it will crush anyone it falls on."
- Luke 20:17-18

For Jesus is the one referred to in the Scriptures, where it says, 'The stone that you builders rejected has now become the cornerstone.'
- Acts 4:11

God warned them of this in the Scriptures when he said, "I am placing a stone in Jerusalem that makes people stumble, a rock that makes them fall. But anyone who trusts in him will never be disgraced."
- Romans 9:33

As the Scriptures say, "I am placing a cornerstone in Jerusalem, chosen for great honor, and anyone who trusts in him will never be disgraced." Yes, you who trust him recognize the honor God has given him. But for those who reject him, "The stone that the builders rejected has now become the cornerstone."
- 1 Peter 2:6-7

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The deaf hear, the blind see

Prophecy

In that day the deaf will hear words read from a book, and the blind will see through the gloom and darkness. The humble will be filled with fresh joy from the LORD. The poor will rejoice in the Holy One of Israel.
- Isaiah 29:18-19

Fulfilled

God blesses those who are poor and realize their need for him, for the Kingdom of Heaven is theirs.
- Matthew 5:3

The blind see, the lame walk, the lepers are cured, the deaf hear, the dead are raised to life, and the Good News is being preached to the poor.
- Matthew 11:5

Then Jesus told him, "I entered this world to render judgment--to give sight to the blind and to show those who think they see that they are blind."
- John 9:39

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A righteous king is coming

Prophecy

Look, a righteous king is coming! And honest princes will rule under him. Each one will be like a shelter from the wind and a refuge from the storm, like streams of water in the desert and the shadow of a great rock in a parched land. Then everyone who has eyes will be able to see the truth, and everyone who has ears will be able to hear it. Even the hotheads will be full of sense and understanding. Those who stammer will speak out plainly.
- Isaiah 32:1-4

For the LORD is our judge, our lawgiver, and our king. He will care for us and save us.
- Isaiah 33:22

Fulfilled

You will conceive and give birth to a son, and you will name him Jesus. He will be very great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his ancestor David. And he will reign over Israel forever; his Kingdom will never end!"
- Luke 1:31-33

All honor and glory to God forever and ever! He is the eternal King, the unseen one who never dies; he alone is God. Amen.
- 1 Timothy 1:17

For at just the right time Christ will be revealed from heaven by the blessed and only almighty God, the King of all kings and Lord of all lords.
- 1 Timothy 6:15

On his robe at his thigh was written this title: King of all kings and Lord of all lords.
- Revelation 19:16

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The way to the Father

Prophecy

And a great road will go through that once deserted land. It will be named the Highway of Holiness. Evil-minded people will never travel on it. It will be only for those who walk in God's ways; fools will never walk there. Lions will not lurk along its course, nor any other ferocious beasts. There will be no other dangers. Only the redeemed will walk on it.
- Isaiah 35:8-9

Fulfilled

"Don't let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God, and trust also in me. There is more than enough room in my Father's home. If this were not so, would I have told you that I am going to prepare a place for you? When everything is ready, I will come and get you, so that you will always be with me where I am. And you know the way to where I am going." "No, we don't know, Lord," Thomas said. "We have no idea where you are going, so how can we know the way?" Jesus told him, "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one can come to the Father except through me.
- John 14:16

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Healing for the needy

Prophecy

Say to those with fearful hearts, "Be strong, and do not fear, for your God is coming to destroy your enemies. He is coming to save you." And when he comes, he will open the eyes of the blind and unplug the ears of the deaf. The lame will leap like a deer, and those who cannot speak will sing for joy! Springs will gush forth in the wilderness, and streams will water the wasteland. The parched ground will become a pool, and springs of water will satisfy the thirsty land. Marsh grass and reeds and rushes will flourish where desert jackals once lived. And a great road will go through that once deserted land. It will be named the Highway of Holiness. Evil-minded people will never travel on it. It will be only for those who walk in God's ways; fools will never walk there. Lions will not lurk along its course, nor any other ferocious beasts. There will be no other dangers. Only the redeemed will walk on it. Those who have been ransomed by the LORD will return. They will enter Jerusalem singing, crowned with everlasting joy. Sorrow and mourning will disappear, and they will be filled with joy and gladness.
- Isaiah 35:4-10

Fulfilled

This fulfilled the word of the Lord through the prophet Isaiah, who said, "He took our sicknesses and removed our diseases."
- Matthew 8:17

Then their eyes were opened, and they could see! Jesus sternly warned them, "Don't tell anyone about this."
- Matthew 9:30

The blind see, the lame walk, the lepers are cured, the deaf hear, the dead are raised to life, and the Good News is being preached to the poor.
- Matthew 11:5

Then a demon-possessed man, who was blind and couldn't speak, was brought to Jesus. He healed the man so that he could both speak and see.
- Matthew 12:22

Jesus felt sorry for them and touched their eyes. Instantly they could see! Then they followed him.
- Matthew 20:34

The blind and the lame came to him in the Temple, and he healed them.
- Matthew 21:14

And when she arrived home, she found her little girl lying quietly in bed, and the demon was gone.
- Mark 7:30

Instantly, the man was healed! He rolled up his sleeping mat and began walking! But this miracle happened on the Sabbath,
- John 5:9

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Make ready the way of the Lord

Prophecy

Listen! It's the voice of someone shouting, "Clear the way through the wilderness for the LORD! Make a straight highway through the wasteland for our God! Fill in the valleys, and level the mountains and hills. Straighten the curves, and smooth out the rough places. Then the glory of the LORD will be revealed, and all people will see it together. The LORD has spoken!"
- Isaiah 40:3-5

Fulfilled

In those days John the Baptist came to the Judean wilderness and began preaching. His message was, “Repent of your sins and turn to God, for the Kingdom of Heaven is near.” The prophet Isaiah was speaking about John when he said, “He is a voice shouting in the wilderness, ‘Prepare the way for the LORD’s coming! Clear the road for him!’” John’s clothes were woven from coarse camel hair, and he wore a leather belt around his waist. For food he ate locusts and wild honey. People from Jerusalem and from all of Judea and all over the Jordan Valley went out to see and hear John. And when they confessed their sins, he baptized them in the Jordan River. But when he saw many Pharisees and Sadducees coming to watch him baptize, he denounced them. “You brood of snakes!” he exclaimed. “Who warned you to flee God’s coming wrath? Prove by the way you live that you have repented of your sins and turned to God. Don’t just say to each other, ‘We’re safe, for we are descendants of Abraham.’ That means nothing, for I tell you, God can create children of Abraham from these very stones. 10Even now the ax of God’s judgment is poised, ready to sever the roots of the trees. Yes, every tree that does not produce good fruit will be chopped down and thrown into the fire. “I baptize with water those who repent of their sins and turn to God. But someone is coming soon who is greater than I am—so much greater that I’m not worthy even to be his slave and carry his sandals. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and with fire. He is ready to separate the chaff from the wheat with his winnowing fork. Then he will clean up the threshing area, gathering the wheat into his barn but burning the chaff with never-ending fire.”
- Matthew 9:30

He is a voice shouting in the wilderness, 'Prepare the way for the LORD's coming! Clear the road for him!'"
- Mark 1:3

Isaiah had spoken of John when he said, "He is a voice shouting in the wilderness, 'Prepare the way for the LORD's coming! Clear the road for him! The valleys will be filled, and the mountains and hills made level. The curves will be straightened, and the rough places made smooth.
- Luke 3:4-5

John replied in the words of the prophet Isaiah: "I am a voice shouting in the wilderness, Clear the way for the LORD's coming!'"
- John 1:23

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The Shepherd dies for his sheep

Prophecy

Yes, the Sovereign LORD is coming in power. He will rule with a powerful arm. See, he brings his reward with him as he comes. He will feed his flock like a shepherd. He will carry the lambs in his arms, holding them close to his heart. He will gently lead the mother sheep with their young.
- Isaiah 40:10-11

Fulfilled

"I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd sacrifices his life for the sheep.
- John 10:11

Now may the God of peace--who brought up from the dead our Lord Jesus, the great Shepherd of the sheep, and ratified an eternal covenant with his blood--
- Hebrews 13:20

He personally carried our sins in his body on the cross so that we can be dead to sin and live for what is right. By his wounds you are healed. Once you were like sheep who wandered away. But now you have turned to your Shepherd, the Guardian of your souls.
- 1 Peter 2:24-25

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The meek Servant

Prophecy

"Look at my servant, whom I strengthen. He is my chosen one, who pleases me. I have put my Spirit upon him. He will bring justice to the nations. He will not shout or raise his voice in public. He will not crush the weakest reed or put out a flickering candle. He will bring justice to all who have been wronged. He will not falter or lose heart until justice prevails throughout the earth. Even distant lands beyond the sea will wait for his instruction." God, the LORD, created the heavens and stretched them out. He created the earth and everything in it. He gives breath to everyone, life to everyone who walks the earth. And it is he who says, "I, the LORD, have called you to demonstrate my righteousness. I will take you by the hand and guard you, and I will give you to my people, Israel, as a symbol of my covenant with them. And you will be a light to guide the nations.
- Isaiah 42:1-6

Fulfilled

This fulfilled the prophecy of Isaiah concerning him: "Look at my Servant, whom I have chosen. He is my Beloved, who pleases me. I will put my Spirit upon him, and he will proclaim justice to the nations. He will not fight or shout or raise his voice in public. He will not crush the weakest reed or put out a flickering candle. Finally he will cause justice to be victorious. And his name will be the hope of all the world."
- Matthew 12:17-21

He is a light to reveal God to the nations, and he is the glory of your people Israel!
- Luke 2:32

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A light to the Gentiles

Prophecy

He says, "You will do more than restore the people of Israel to me. I will make you a light to the Gentiles, and you will bring my salvation to the ends of the earth." The LORD, the Redeemer and Holy One of Israel, says to the one who is despised and rejected by the nations, to the one who is the servant of rulers: "Kings will stand at attention when you pass by. Princes will also bow low because of the LORD, the faithful one, the Holy One of Israel, who has chosen you." This is what the LORD says: "At just the right time, I will respond to you. On the day of salvation I will help you. I will protect you and give you to the people as my covenant with them. Through you I will reestablish the land of Israel and assign it to its own people again. I will say to the prisoners, 'Come out in freedom,' and to those in darkness, 'Come into the light.' They will be my sheep, grazing in green pastures and on hills that were previously bare. They will neither hunger nor thirst. The searing sun will not reach them anymore. For the LORD in his mercy will lead them; he will lead them beside cool waters. And I will make my mountains into level paths for them. The highways will be raised above the valleys. See, my people will return from far away, from lands to the north and west, and from as far south as Egypt."
- Isaiah 49:6-12

Fulfilled

For the Lord gave us this command when he said, 'I have made you a light to the Gentiles, to bring salvation to the farthest corners of the earth.'"
- Acts 13:47

For God says, "At just the right time, I heard you. On the day of salvation, I helped you." Indeed, the "right time" is now. Today is the day of salvation.
- 2 Corinthians 6:2

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Scourged and spat on

Prophecy

I offered my back to those who beat me and my cheeks to those who pulled out my beard. I did not hide my face from mockery and spitting.
- Isaiah 50:6

Fulfilled

Then they began to spit in Jesus' face and beat him with their fists. And some slapped him,
- Matthew 26:67

So Pilate released Barabbas to them. He ordered Jesus flogged with a lead-tipped whip, then turned him over to the Roman soldiers to be crucified.
- Matthew 27:26

And they spit on him and grabbed the stick and struck him on the head with it.
- Matthew 27:30

Then some of them began to spit at him, and they blindfolded him and beat him with their fists. "Prophesy to us," they jeered. And the guards slapped him as they took him away.
- Mark 14:65

So to pacify the crowd, Pilate released Barabbas to them. He ordered Jesus flogged with a lead-tipped whip, then turned him over to the Roman soldiers to be crucified.
- Mark 15:15

And they struck him on the head with a reed stick, spit on him, and dropped to their knees in mock worship.
- Mark 15:19

The guards in charge of Jesus began mocking and beating him. They blindfolded him and said, "Prophesy to us! Who hit you that time?" And they hurled all sorts of terrible insults at him.
- Luke 22:63-65

Then Pilate had Jesus flogged with a lead-tipped whip.
- John 19:1

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Rejected by his people

Prophecy

See, my servant will prosper; he will be highly exalted. But many were amazed when they saw him. His face was so disfigured he seemed hardly human, and from his appearance, one would scarcely know he was a man. And he will startle many nations. Kings will stand speechless in his presence. For they will see what they had not been told; they will understand what they had not heard about. Who has believed our message? To whom has the LORD revealed his powerful arm? My servant grew up in the LORD's presence like a tender green shoot, like a root in dry ground. There was nothing beautiful or majestic about his appearance, nothing to attract us to him. He was despised and rejected--a man of sorrows, acquainted with deepest grief. We turned our backs on him and looked the other way. He was despised, and we did not care.
- Isaiah 52:13-53:3

Fulfilled

Very early in the morning the leading priests and the elders of the people met again to lay plans for putting Jesus to death. Then they bound him, led him away, and took him to Pilate, the Roman governor.
- Matthew 27:2

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Suffered vicariously

Prophecy

Yet it was our weaknesses he carried; it was our sorrows that weighed him down. And we thought his troubles were a punishment from God, a punishment for his own sins! But he was pierced for our rebellion, crushed for our sins. He was beaten so we could be whole. He was whipped so we could be healed.
- Isaiah 53:4-5

Fulfilled

Then the entire council took Jesus to Pilate, the Roman governor. They began to state their case: “This man has been leading our people astray by telling them not to pay their taxes to the Roman government and by claiming he is the Messiah, a king.” So Pilate asked him, “Are you the king of the Jews?” Jesus replied, “You have said it.” Pilate turned to the leading priests and to the crowd and said, “I find nothing wrong with this man!” Then they became insistent. “But he is causing riots by his teaching wherever he goes—all over Judea, from Galilee to Jerusalem!” “Oh, is he a Galilean?” Pilate asked. When they said that he was, Pilate sent him to Herod Antipas, because Galilee was under Herod’s jurisdiction, and Herod happened to be in Jerusalem at the time. Herod was delighted at the opportunity to see Jesus, because he had heard about him and had been hoping for a long time to see him perform a miracle. He asked Jesus question after question, but Jesus refused to answer. Meanwhile, the leading priests and the teachers of religious law stood there shouting their accusations. Then Herod and his soldiers began mocking and ridiculing Jesus. Finally, they put a royal robe on him and sent him back to Pilate. (Herod and Pilate, who had been enemies before, became friends that day.)

Then Pilate called together the leading priests and other religious leaders, along with the people, and he announced his verdict. “You brought this man to me, accusing him of leading a revolt. I have examined him thoroughly on this point in your presence and find him innocent. Herod came to the same conclusion and sent him back to us. Nothing this man has done calls for the death penalty. So I will have him flogged, and then I will release him.” Then a mighty roar rose from the crowd, and with one voice they shouted, “Kill him, and release Barabbas to us!” (Barabbas was in prison for taking part in an insurrection in Jerusalem against the government, and for murder.) Pilate argued with them, because he wanted to release Jesus. But they kept shouting, “Crucify him! Crucify him!” For the third time he demanded, “Why? What crime has he committed? I have found no reason to sentence him to death. So I will have him flogged, and then I will release him.” But the mob shouted louder and louder, demanding that Jesus be crucified, and their voices prevailed. So Pilate sentenced Jesus to die as they demanded. As they had requested, he released Barabbas, the man in prison for insurrection and murder. But he turned Jesus over to them to do as they wished.
- Luke 23:1-25

One of the soldiers, however, pierced his side with a spear, and immediately blood and water flowed out.
- John 19:34

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Silent when accused, like a lamb led to the slaughter

Prophecy

He was oppressed and treated harshly, yet he never said a word. He was led like a lamb to the slaughter. And as a sheep is silent before the shearers, he did not open his mouth.
- Isaiah 53:7

Fulfilled

But when the leading priests and the elders made their accusations against him, Jesus remained silent. "Don't you hear all these charges they are bringing against you?" Pilate demanded. But Jesus made no response to any of the charges, much to the governor's surprise.
- Matthew 27:14

Then the leading priests kept accusing him of many crimes, and Pilate asked him, "Aren't you going to answer them? What about all these charges they are bringing against you?"
- Mark 15:3-4

The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him and said, "Look! The Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!
- John 1:29

Caiaphas, who was high priest at that time, said, "You don't know what you're talking about! You don't realize that it's better for you that one man should die for the people than for the whole nation to be destroyed." He did not say this on his own; as high priest at that time he was led to prophesy that Jesus would die for the entire nation. And not only for that nation, but to bring together and unite all the children of God scattered around the world.
- John 11:49-52

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Crucified with transgressors

Prophecy

I will give him 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

Fulfilled

Two revolutionaries were crucified with him, one on his right and one on his left.
- Matthew 27:38

Two revolutionaries were crucified with him, one on his right and one on his left. And the scripture was fulfilled, which saith, and he was numbered with the transgressors.
- Mark 15:27-28

Two others, both criminals, were led out to be executed with him. When they came to a place called The Skull, they nailed him to the cross. And the criminals were also crucified--one on his right and one on his left. Jesus said, "Father, forgive them, for they don't know what they are doing." And the soldiers gambled for his clothes by throwing dice.
- Luke 23:32-34

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Buried with the rich

Prophecy

He had done no wrong and had never deceived anyone. But he was buried like a criminal; he was put in a rich man's grave.
- Isaiah 53:9

Fulfilled

As evening approached, Joseph, a rich man from Arimathea who had become a follower of Jesus, went to Pilate and asked for Jesus' body. And Pilate issued an order to release it to him. Joseph took the body and wrapped it in a long sheet of clean linen cloth. He placed it in his own new tomb, which had been carved out of the rock. Then he rolled a great stone across the entrance and left.
- Matthew 27:57-60

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New heavens and a new earth

Prophecy

"Look! I am creating new heavens and a new earth, and no one will even think about the old ones anymore.
- Isaiah 65:17

Fulfilled

But we are looking forward to the new heavens and new earth he has promised, a world filled with God's righteousness.
- 2 Peter 3:13

Then I saw “a new heaven and a new earth,” for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and there was no longer any sea.
- Revelation 21:1

And the one sitting on the throne said, "Look, I am making everything new!" And then he said to me, "Write this down, for what I tell you is trustworthy and true."
- Revelation 21:5

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Remember, this is only a subset of the hundreds of prophecies we find in Isaiah, and just a fraction of the thousands we find in the Old Testament. But given this larger sample size, what makes more sense as you read each prophecy and when you look at them collectively?

Was Israel born of a virgin, or was it Jesus? Was Israel born in human flesh to live among us, or was it Jesus? Was Israel the seed of Jesse, or was it Jesus? Was Israel the key of David, or was it Jesus? Did Israel heal the blind, deaf, needy, and sick, or was it Jesus? Was Israel the righteous king, or was it Jesus? Did Israel die for his sheep, or was it Jesus? Was Israel the light to the Gentiles, or was it Jesus? Was Israel scourged and spat on, or was it Jesus? Was Israel rejected by his people, or was it Jesus? Did Israel die for our sins, or was it Jesus? Did Israel remain silent when led to the slaughter like a lamb, or was it Jesus? Was Israel crucified with transgressors, or was it Jesus? Was Israel buried with the rich, or was it Jesus?

You get the point. When given a full and complete context, it doesn't take much effort to come to the logical conclusion that we're talking about Jesus the Christ. Can we provide an alternative explanation to certain prophecies? Absolutely. But Jesus is the best explanation that consistently and reasonably fits all the prophecies. Concluding otherwise would be subjective at best, and delusional at worst.

As to whether we can trust the prophet Isaiah is an entirely different conversation, but an important one Christians should be prepared to discuss. Because when skeptics read the prophecies of Isaiah they're likely left wondering if they were in fact written over 700 years before Jesus, or perhaps written after Jesus was crucified, making it only appear that He was the long awaited Messiah. For this we have to examine the historical facts.

In 68 AD the Qumran region (West Bank of Israel) was populated by a group called the Essenes. The Essenes were a Jewish sect that resembled the Pharisees. They lived isolated from other societies and dedicated to self-denial. The Essenes are not directly mentioned in Scripture, although some believe they may be referred to in Matthew 19:11-12, Colossians 2:8, Colossians 2:18, and Colossians 2:23. One reason scholars believe the Essenes are a trustworthy source is because Josephus gave a detailed account of them in three of his books, listing them as one of the three sects of Jewish philosophy (along with the Pharisees and Sadducees). Josephus is considered a reliable source because he was born in Jerusalem shortly after Christ’s crucifixion, and became a Pharisee at the age of nineteen. Josephus later switched sides and received Roman citizenship and became a military commander in the Jewish resistance. Point being, had he not been a true historian, he would have gladly tried to stop the Jesus movement.

The reason the Essenes are important to history is because they originated 200 years before Christ and disappeared from history after the destruction of Jerusalem in 70 AD. As you can imagine, this was an important time period for Jewish and Christian history because it covered the birth of Jesus, His earthly ministry, His death on the cross, His resurrection, the life of the disciples, and the destruction of the Temple. Of significance with the Essenes is the fact that they dedicated their life to preserving literary works of history. Of the 800-900 documents found, about 220 are books from the Hebrew Bible (Old Testament). The most common books found in the scrolls were Psalms and Deuteronomy. The remaining documents were other religious texts and a range of secular writings. These preserved copies allow scholars and historians to prove that the ancient texts remained untouched from the originals.

When the Qumran region was attacked and burned to the ground by the Romans in 73 AD, the Essenes fled with whatever they could carry. For most this would have been their sacred scrolls. The scrolls were stored in jars to help protect them from deterioration. But because these jars were large and heavy, they hid them in nearby caves. The jars and scrolls remained hidden until their discovery over 2,000 years later in 1946. The Great Isaiah Scroll found during the excavation provides us with definitive answers to questions that skeptics previously challenged. Specifically when the prophecies of Isaiah were written and whether they were written by one author. One reason scholars conclude it was written by a single author is that the scroll wasn’t divided into three sections, but rather was one continuous twenty-four foot scroll with all sixty-six chapters.

Furthermore, Jesus Himself affirms that the entire Book of Isaiah was written by Isaiah. Luke 4:17-19 records an occasion where Jesus stands up to read “the scroll of the prophet Isaiah”. Afterwards, Jesus rolled up the scroll, gave it back to the attendant, sat down and said “The Scripture you’ve just heard has been fulfilled this very day!” Jesus affirms that Isaiah is inspired and has been preserved since that passage is in the very last section of the book (Isaiah 61:1-2).

From an apologetic perspective, this kind of evidence is why we can trust the Bible. The content of Scripture has a context, with real people and real places, and is supported outside of the Bible, as we find with historians like Josephus. These type of discoveries show that we have historical facts, not corrupted texts. Although evidence isn’t a prerequisite for our faith, the evidence certainly supports our faith. Yet, even without all evidence to answer every skeptic, the evidence is more than sufficient to say Scriptures are trustworthy and historically accurate.

Finally, it’s important to remember that it’s not disrespectful to examine the claims of the Bible under a microscope. In doing so we reinforce our faith. Were it otherwise, the Bible would not say “Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have” (1 Peter 3:15). And how do we do that?

We use God's mighty weapons, not worldly weapons, to knock down the strongholds of human reasoning and to destroy false arguments. We destroy every proud obstacle that keeps people from knowing God. We capture their rebellious thoughts and teach them to obey Christ.
- 2 Corinthians 10:4-5

In other words, we trust God and His written Word, and we take every thought captive and make it obedient to Christ.

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Additional Sources

• https://www.gotquestions.org/Essenes.html
• https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Essenes
• https://www.britannica.com/topic/Essene
• http://www.essenespirit.com/who.html
• http://www.gods-word-first.org/jesus-christ/pharisees-sadducees-scribes-zealots.html
• https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Qumran
• https://www.britannica.com/place/Qumran
• https://www.gotquestions.org/Flavius-Josephus.html
• http://www.josephus.org/life.htm
• https://answersingenesis.org/bible-history/is-josephus-reliable/
• http://www.bl.uk/onlinegallery/sacredtexts/deadseascrolls.html

The moment of total surrender

Let me start off by saying that I am in no way licensed, trained, or certified to give counsel on this subject; however, this message has been written on my heart for a while. I can only write and share my personal experience. My hope is simply that my story is able to help someone who drifts upon it and needs to know they aren't alone. The image to the right is a painting by Eric Samuel Timm, who I had the pleasure to meet recently. I love what he has to say about hope. Hope becomes a reality when we execute it into reality. Hope isn't something we pray for. Hope is something we are to be. Thanks for the painting Eric. I cherish it, and admire the work you are doing for the Kingdom of God.

For the past couple of years I've been on a crusade to change my life. Although there is now clear direction and purpose in my life, that wasn't always the case, even after I began my relationship with Christ. Maybe like some of you, I thought I could just kick back and set life to cruise-control after I said the prayer to accept Christ in to my life and be baptized; however, I learned the hard way that my journey and God's work in me was just beginning.

My valley started with something we have all experienced — grieving a loss. In my case, it was the end of a four year relationship. I had been on the losing end of a few other relationships throughout my life, including a five year marriage, but for whatever reason, when those relationships ended, although there was disappointment and heartache, it was short-lived, and as they say "life goes on".

The end of this relationship can best be described as chaotic. There was virtually no closure, for either of us, and it ended with us living 500 miles apart, and starting life over, yet again. The first month apart was relatively uneventful. But as Thanksgiving came and went, and another Christmas season was looming, I found myself more lost than ever, incredibly lonely, and seeking. For right or wrong, I reached back out to my ex, in hopes of reconciling before we grew further apart. In my head, it was that simple. But there was one thing I hadn't planned for. The time I had spent planning for reconciliation, she had spent moving on, and meeting someone else. Ouch!

This particular relationship however, was designed to crash and burn. It's easy to recognize that in hindsight. It started too quickly, progressed too quickly, and didn't have a foundation in Jesus Christ. That made everything from the way we communicated, to the way we parented, to our idea of quality time together, a minefield of broken dreams — and by the end I'm fairly certain we had set everyone one of them off.

God's light came into the world, but people loved the darkness more than the light, for their actions were evil.
- John 3:19

I'm not sure if the downward spiral from this news was a jealous reaction, or simply having to accept and grieve the loss finally — I'm sure it was a combination of both. But what transpired over the next several months, were the darkest days I have ever experienced.

Let's be clear, this valley didn't involve drugs, alcohol, or any other kind of substance abuse. I didn't need any. There was already a fog of depression that cluttered my mind 24-hours a day, every day, every night, without relenting. I parented still of course. I worked still. I continued to function, at least to the outside world, but I felt lost, with no purpose, and each minute that I existed seemed worse than the previous. To say I had reached the depths of depression would not give justice to what I was feeling. I know what you're thinking — over a breakup? Yes, over a breakup! You see, my priorities were a mess. I wasn't walking close to Christ — that journey had started, but it was still one-sided at this point, and I wasn't being intentional about pursuing Jesus in my life. On top of that, I was weening myself off a lifetime of idolizing the wrong things. So this loss was more than just a breakup to me, it was the loss of what I had convinced myself was the most important thing in my life. I don't need anyone to tell me how warped my thinking was. That was part of the disease, the depression, and the vicious cycle that I had allowed in to my life.

Nights were the worst. It didn't matter what I did during the day. When the sun set, Satan would pull up a chair, and get to work. He buried me under the weight of my failures. All I could do was cry myself to sleep in utter exhaustion, in prayer, hoping it would all just be over in the morning.

Mornings were bittersweet. On one hand, I was alive and breathing, but on the other hand, I was already dreading what I knew would be waiting for me that night — more attacks — more anxiety — and more pain. This battle went on for quite awhile before I finally had the courage to breakdown to my counselor about having suicidal thoughts. What!? I purposely had avoided this conversation for several reasons. Part of it was pride. But truth be told, I was still in denial about it. But the thing that caused me to hesitate the most was because once you say the word "suicide" out loud, you can't take it back. Opening up and being completely transparent about my feelings turned out to be a really important decision in my life, even though I didn't know it at the time. I was brutally honest about everything, and after much contemplation, I agreed to go on anti-depressants and medicine to help me sleep. I have to admit, I didn't give the medicine enough time to work perhaps, but for me personally, my reaction to the medicine made the depression exponentially worse. Sleep was almost non-existent, and the suicidal thoughts were getting stronger, and becoming more of a reality every day. I prayed until I was literally sick about what to do. I kept reading Psalm 34:17:

The righteous cry out, and the LORD hears them; he delivers them from all their troubles.
- Psalm 34:17

All I could think was... Lord, can you hear me? Why do I have to live through this pain over and over and over again, every day, and why can I think of nothing else but ending my life? Is that really what I'm supposed to do?

In somewhat of a desperate move, I asked my counselor, and my doctor, if I could stop taking the medication. It's hard to explain why, but I felt like God was telling me I needed something else — perhaps a miracle at this point. They agreed to stopping the medication, and I couldn't get rid of it fast enough. The first several days letting my body adjust was unexpectedly more difficult than I thought. My mood swings and depression were all over the place. The highs were short-lived, and the lows were drawn out and the darkest few days I've ever known.

Proceed with caution! This is where the tide turned; however, this is also where I hit my rock bottom. It was a Wednesday night, I was alone, and Satan brought everything he had at me. I'm talking a full onslaught of hate, and evil, and tearing me down. I gave up. I accepted that he was right. I was worthless, and no one, and I mean no one, was going to pull me out of it this time. Satan showed me the way out, and I conceded — my life is over. I collected my thoughts, and got my affairs in order. My last will and testament was already prepared. I had a password document ready for my brother so he could access all my files and accounts. I even had put together documentation and instructions for work with everything they would need to keep projects moving without me. There was only one thing left to do. Say goodbye to everyone.

I spent the next several hours writing personal goodbye letters to twenty of my closest family members and friends. Every letter was different, and each more difficult to write than the previous one. But something happened as I got to letter twenty. Maybe one day I'll share who that letter was to, and what was said, but what's important is that as I sealed that letter, an overwhelming feeling, impossible to describe, took over, and I found myself in my bedroom closet, in the dark. Why the closet? I have no idea. But I dropped to my knees, literally, bawling, and began to cry out:

The LORD himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.
- Deuteronomy 31:8

I continued to cry out to the Lord, still on my knees sobbing in the dark. I'm so tired. I can't do this life alone anymore. I'll follow You wherever You call me. I surrender all of it to You. All of it. Come burn every part of me Lord. Come fill me with Your spirit, and be a shield of protection around me. My life is Yours Lord, do with it as You wish. I won't try to save myself any longer — I can't — instead I trust solely in You Lord.

Moments later, I walked to my bed, still weeping, lay my head on the pillow, and rest for the first time in months, maybe years. I slept in the next morning, and when I woke up, my Bible was lying next to me, open. That wasn't uncommon, but what was unusual was it was turned to the Old Testament, where I didn't spend much time, and right in front of me was the following:

I waited patiently for the LORD; he turned to me and heard my cry. He lifted me out of the slimy pit, out of the mud and mire; he set my feet on a rock and gave me a firm place to stand. He put a new song in my mouth, a hymn of praise to our God. Many will see and fear the LORD and put their trust in him.
- Psalm 40:1-3

This became more than just an anthem in my life. This became a continual reminder that our God is real. I cried out, and He listened. He lifted me out of despair, and He stood with me in the fiery furnace of Satan's war against me, and provided the comfort I had desperately prayed for.

I died to myself that night. I truly believe that. I also believe that it's no longer I who lives, but Christ who lives within me. That next morning was the first day of my new life. The first thing I did was shred every last one of those goodbye letters I had written the night before. Then I deleted thousands upon thousands of emails, text messages, and photos that were keeping me from fully grieving and healing.

I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.
- Galatians 2:20

I restructured my entire life from that point forward (remember, total surrender). I put Jesus Christ front and center, in all things, for always. Next was my daughter. She's a blessing I'll never deserve, and I made it a priority to make sure I covered my life, and hers, with the character of Christ. Then was my family. Years of too many unreturned phone calls and solitude had to stop. Then I started pouring out my love and compassion to my friendships, my small group, and my church. I started to really value and cherish the relationships God had blessed me with.

God saw my heart and went to work. Life didn't suddenly become perfect, but it got easier, each day, as I replaced old habits with new ones, and made Christ the center of all my decisions. God started a transformation in my heart, and has me on a relentless pursuit to glorify His name, and to bring others to Christ. Being a disciple, and a defender of the faith, are the instructions God has written on my heart, and I choose to obey.

Satan continues to scheme. Always. He's cunning, and desperate to destroy me, and break me down again. He still gets a few good punches in from time to time, but he forgot one thing... We serve an all-knowing, all-powerful, all-present God, that gave us His only son, died our death on a Roman cross, and on the third day rose again in fulfillment of the Scriptures. God chose love, because God is love, and in a selfless type of sacrificial love that none of us deserved, my sins, your sins, and all of our sins, past, present, and future, were nailed to the cross, and with the words "It is finished" (John 19:30), Satan was defeated. Sure, Satan will rear his ugliness in our lives, but we can boldly say as Jesus said:

Get behind me, Satan! You are a stumbling block to me; you do not have in mind the concerns of God, but merely human concerns.
- Matthew 16:23

If you're asking yourself why I'm sharing this story, and why now... it's not for attention.... and it's not a cry for help. I'm far removed from those days, and God holds me in the palm of His hand, and His love, grace, and mercy cover my life, completely. I waited to share this story because I needed time to heal. I needed time to understand. I needed to listen to God when He asked me to be still, and to speak when He asked me to speak. Suicide isn't something I ever thought I would consider, and certainly not something I would expect to be writing about, and sharing as part of my testimony. But not only did suicide nearly take my life, it unfortunately did claim my grandfather's last year. I desperately wish I would have been brave enough to speak out earlier, and recognize the signs, and although I may never fully comprehend why, this ended up being a significant catalyst in my spiritual journey, that solidified my confidence and trust that as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are God's ways higher than our ways, and His thoughts higher than our thoughts (Isaiah 55:9).

I challenge you to take the first step, and the first step is placing your trust in Jesus Christ, and inviting Him in to your heart. You don't have to understand it all, and you won't have all the answers, ever. You start with whatever faith you have. Great faith feels like nothing at first, but even faith as small as a mustard seed (Matthew 17:20) allows God to start His work in your life.

Let me close by saying this. Depression is real, and you're allowed to feel pain, and experience brokenness, and want answers — but you're not alone. Let me say that again, you're not alone. If you find yourself ever thinking there's no other way, please know that there is, and by the grace of God, I can personally attest to that truth. God's love for me saved my life, and His love for you can do the same thing. I may not know you, and I may never meet you, but as your brother in Christ, I hope you know I'm praying for you, and I love you, with all my heart.

Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.
- 1 Corinthians 13:7

Growing closer to God

Have you ever found yourself asking why some situations in life are easier to navigate than others? Aren't there times when you feel like you have it figured out, then life throws you a curve ball, and what got you through one valley isn't getting you through the next? It can be frustrating at first, but this can also reveal a great deal about ourselves, and particularly our spiritual growth and maturity.

Max Lucado said that "Equipped with the right tools, we can learn to listen to God." I doubt many of you have trouble finding the truth in this statement, yet many of us choose to ignore it, and wander aimlessly through an unfulfilling life. Why? I know for me personally, I have taken this concept of listening to God for granted for most of my life. There were days where I would make conscious choices to ignore my relationship with Christ, and avoid equipping myself with the right tools to pursue and nurture that relationship. What I didn't realize was that any step we're not taking towards the Lord, is in effect a step away from Him, which has a negative effect on our quality of life. The choices we make determine the quality of our life.

In John 10:10, Jesus said:

The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.
- John 10:10

There's two things I think about when I read this verse. The first is the reference to the thief coming to steal and kill and destroy. Too often we skip right past that so we can get to the good stuff (spoiler: abundant life). But we need to be really careful here and recognize that the thief isn't only coming, he's already here. Louie Giglio gave a message at Elevation Church's Code Orange Revival about "the table God has prepared before us and His ability to meet us in the most desperate of places." What stood out to me was his explanation of Psalm 23:5, which says:

You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows.
- Psalm 23:5

Not only has God prepared a table before you, but He has done so in the presence of your enemies. The enemy is already present, and we must rely on God for everything we'll need mentally, spiritually, emotionally, and physically to not only recognize the enemy, but to have the strength and courage to say to the enemy: "You don't have a seat at my table!"

The only way you can lose your peace is if you let the devil sit down and eat your food and start talking to you at your table that your Shepard prepared before you in the presence of your enemies.
- Louie Giglio

The other thing we learn in John 10:10 is Jesus telling us that He came that we may have life, but, and don't miss this, have it abundantly. Abundant life can mean different things to different people but if we're using Scripture as our guide and treating it as the living, breathing Word of God, maybe we should use it to define the abundant life. A few of my favorites are:

But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. There is no law against these things!
- Galatians 5:22

Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy to bear, and the burden I give you is light.
- Matthew 11:28

So don't worry about these things, saying, 'What will we eat? What will we drink? What will we wear? These things dominate the thoughts of unbelievers, but your heavenly Father already knows all your needs. Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need. So don't worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will bring its own worries. Today's trouble is enough for today.
- Matthew 6:31-34

The abundant life consists of God's protection, provision, and promises, and as we experience it, we take on the character of Christ, find peace, rest, and a life free from anxiety; however, the only way we're ever going to be satisfied, and live the abundant life, is to be fully engaged and listening to the Holy Spirit. So how do we keep the enemy from taking a seat at our table? How do we become fully engaged and listening to the Holy Spirit? How do we experience the abundant life? Simple. We need practice, preparation, and spiritual discipline. Dallas Willard said that spiritual discipline is "any activity within our power that we engage in to enable us to do what we cannot do by our direct effort." The disciplines you choose to practice can vary, but here are some that have been instrumental in my growth as a Christ follower.

1. Prayer
   Spending time giving thanks, lifting prayer requests, and otherwise talking with the Lord will help you grow in your faith, and will demonstrate your commitment and intentions to the Lord. Prayer doesn't have to be long, or complicated, it's simply time for you to communicate with God. Sometimes I write out my prayers in a journal. Sometimes I say them out loud. Other time I just meditate on them in my mind. There's no wrong way to pray. Say whatever comes in to your heart and give it time. God will use that time to build your prayer life, if you let Him.
2. Reading Scripture
   If you want to draw closer to God, and allow God's will to be done in your life, you must spend time in the Word of God. Like with anything else, if you want to learn about something, you have to study it. This is no different with reading Scripture. What better way to learn about God than to read about Him, and the inspired words He placed on the hearts of the authors. The words really will come alive, but only when you open your Bible and let them. If you don't know where to start, I'd recommend the One-Year New Testament, which breaks the New Testament down into short daily readings.
3. Solitude, Silence, Meditation
   This one can be difficult for some of us. Life is busy, who has time to spend with themselves in silence or solitude? As a single dad I am able to take advantage of this on certain days more than others. But let me say that it's a discipline I encourage you to make time for. Even if it's only a short time in the morning, or late at night when everyone is in bed. For me, I find that the Holy Spirit really is present in these moments when I intentionally set aside time to be still, listen, reflect, and meditate on God's grace, mercy, love, and His Word.
4. Fasting
   Fasting will forever hold a special place in my heart, as it was during my first 21-day fast that I gave my life over to Christ. Oswald Chambers says that "the true inward significance of fasting is that I have turned to God, either on account of my own sins or others, allowing Him to fulfill His purpose in me." Like prayer, fasting doesn't have to be complex. It's not about how often you fast, how long you fast, or what you fast from — rather, it's about obedience to the Lord, and making room for God in your life. You'd be surprised when you fast from something, if you spend time pursuing the Lord, He'll fill that empty space with more of Him.
5. Serving
   Serving is so important, and despite what most of us think, we're all qualified and called to serve (1 Peter 4:10, John 13:14-15). Whether it's in your church, your community, or abroad, serving is another way to build your relationship and trust with God. As God sees that you can be trusted in the little things (Luke 16:10), you'll find that He gives you more responsibilities. Serving may be as simple as shaking hands, or making coffee, but I promise you that it will elevate your spiritual life in ways you wouldn't imagine.

It's through spiritual disciplines that we are able to drink from the living water. By engaging in these practices daily, you will consistently find your satisfaction in nothing but Jesus Christ. That's the abundant life that Jesus promises us in John 10:10. Beyond living the abundant life, you'll find that others around you will be drawn to you. They'll see the quality of your life and your joy overflowing, and want to know where it comes from. What will your response be? Will you be ready to give an answer? Like the Samaritan woman at the well (John 4), we all have an obligation to share the living water (Holy Spirit; The Good News) with others.

Jesus replied, "Anyone who drinks this water will soon become thirsty again. But those who drink the water I give will never be thirsty again. It becomes a fresh, bubbling spring within them, giving them eternal life."
- John 4:13

Will you reply like the Samaritan woman? Give me this water! My prayer for all of you is that you've asked Jesus to be your Lord and Savior. Over two-thousand years ago Jesus lived the life we should have lived, and died the death we should have died. He did that for me... He did that for you... to pay the penalty of our sins — past, present, and future — and to cleanse us in a way that only a perfect, selfless sacrifice could. Lord, I place my life into Your hands and trust you entirely. I pray that we sacrifice our own desires, die to ourselves, and embrace Your perfect and pleasing will. Transform each of us from the inside out, and characterize each of us with hearts and minds that are focused on You. Let us all commit to becoming Christ-centered in body, mind, and soul.

What Breaks Your Heart?

Recently in small group, I challenged the guys with this question: What breaks your heart?

I've thought about this question more times than I can count. My answer would vary depending on several factors. Often times it would circle back to helping someone in need — usually children. So that is what my default answer became whenever asked the question. But truth be told, there's something else that breaks my heart — and it's this something else that consistently is stirring me — so much so that it's time I accept the reality that this is what truly breaks my heart.

Without answering the question, let's first go back about three years ago to July 2014. I was a believer of Jesus Christ, but I definitely wasn't a follower. I was living a life in and out of sin; I was in Scripture, almost daily, but not much was sinking in, mostly due to a lack of effort and intentionality; and I certainly wasn't saved at this point. I was visiting my older brother and his wife in California, and he said something to me that completely changed the course of my life. The funny thing is he doesn't even know this, and will be finding out at the same time as anyone else reading this. He noticed me reading Scripture every day with my daughter, and a few days in to the trip after everyone had went to bed he said:

You're a really smart guy.... so how are you able to believe all of it when so many bad things happen every day?

There was more conversation and questions after that. But that question in particular never left my mind. My answer is what providentially started me down a road that has, and continues to, transform my life. I simply gave him faith-based answers to his fact-based based questions. At the time, that's all I had — a little bit of faith, and almost no spiritual maturity or education at all. As I answered his questions that night, the best way I could, I realized I was missing out on an incredibly important opportunity to share the truth about Jesus Christ, and the Good News of His life, His ministry, His death, and His Resurrection. But why? Was it fear? Was it lack of understanding and wisdom? Was it lack of faith?

But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect.
- 1 Peter 3:15

So what breaks my heart is that I wasn't prepared to give an answer for my hope in Jesus Christ. Every day, as a believer in Christ, I lacked the discipline to surrender my life, fully follow Jesus, and immerse myself in the Word of God, to better equip myself with the truth. So when asked, I would be able to give an answer — and not just any answer, but an answer based not only in faith, but in the facts, and in the truth that “I’m not a Christian today because I was raised that way or because it satisfies some need or accomplishes some goal. I’m simply a Christian because it’s evidentially true.” (Cold-Case Christianity). This same truth and power that rose Jesus from the dead (Romans 8:11) was fully available to me, and for over thirty years I did next to nothing to read it, to study it, or to live it. To make matters worse, I not only missed an opportunity to disciple and share the message of Christ with someone, but this someone was my own brother!

It's been a few years since that evening, but it's never left my mind. His question set me on a journey to start asking and answering my own questions about the Bible, about Jesus, and about how committed I really was to my faith. Did I really believe the Bible was the infallible Word of God?

As I started to ask myself the more difficult questions, it was clear I wasn't anywhere close to where I wanted to be in my journey as a Christ follower. The desire was lacking, the commitment was missing, and the relationship was one-sided. I basically tried to keep God in my pocket, for when I needed Him, and anything that didn't fit into my life easily I chose to ignore, swept under the rug, or otherwise convinced myself didn't apply to me. After all, these are different times, and who could be expected to live under those kind of rules anyway!? My point is that this transformation started off slowly, very slowly, almost undetectable. It took a couple of years, and many setbacks and disappointments, but than I started to feel a change.

For me personally the change wasn't complete at the moment of my salvation. Rather it took several more months of prayer, meditation, solitude, and fasting (lots of fasting) to come to the conclusion that the only way I was going to be able to silence the beast inside of me — telling me I wasn't good enough, I wasn't smart enough, I wasn't worthy enough — was to dive head first into my relationship with Christ. No more games. I don't like when people play games with me, so why would the Lord expect anything different from me. It wasn't going to be enough to surrender some of my life to Christ. It had to be all or nothing. It was time to pick up and carry my cross, and finally die to myself (Galatians 2:20), in a way I never understood before.

So I say, let the Holy Spirit guide your lives. Then you won't be doing what your sinful nature craves. The sinful nature wants to do evil, which is just the opposite of what the Spirit wants. And the Spirit gives us desires that are the opposite of what the sinful nature desires. These two forces are constantly fighting each other, so you are not free to carry out your good intentions. But when you are directed by the Spirit, you are not under obligation to the law of Moses. When you follow the desires of your sinful nature, the results are very clear: sexual immorality, impurity, lustful pleasures, idolatry, sorcery, hostility, quarreling, jealousy, outbursts of anger, selfish ambition, dissension, division, envy, drunkenness, wild parties, and other sins like these. Let me tell you again, as I have before, that anyone living that sort of life will not inherit the Kingdom of God. But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. There is no law against these things! Those who belong to Christ Jesus have nailed the passions and desires of their sinful nature to his cross and crucified them there. Since we are living by the Spirit, let us follow the Spirit's leading in every part of our lives.
- Galatians 5:16-25

Anyone living outside the Holy Spirit will not inherit the Kingdom of God. That got my attention! If I was willing to live according to the Spirit, and allow the Spirit to lead me in every part of my life, I am promised an inheritance in the Kingdom of God. I was convinced and ready to make those changes. What this looked for me was significant transformation in every facet of my life. No more lying. No more wasting other people's time. No more wasting my time. No more debt. No more smoking weed (sorry mom). No more sex. No more going through the motions of a life without purpose. It was complete, all-in, no looking back, you can have all of me, all the time, starting right now surrender!

The moment the surrender took place, a peace and sudden feeling of clarity came over me, like a tidal wave, and God said "Let's get to work." He started with a gentle, but clear, nudge to get me to start serving at church. I didn't know where to start, or what it meant, but I picked up a serving card after service one Saturday evening and signed up to join the Host Team. God put me in the eCafe making coffee. To some this may seem insignificant, but this was God's way to find out if I could be trusted.

If you are faithful in little things, you will be faithful in large ones. But if you are dishonest in little things, you won't be honest with greater responsibilities.
- Luke 16:10

Could I be trusted with the little things? Turns out I came alive on the inside — making coffee of all things. I found myself surrounded by other Christ followers, and the excitement and spirit of serving became infectious.

Next I decided to apply this same commitment to the small group I had attended. I decided to make it a high priority. Not just showing up, but preparing, participating, and engaging! Before I knew it, I did the unthinkable and asked God for more responsibilities. It went something like "Lord, why do I get the feeling you want me to lead this group?" I tried to convince myself I'm not a leader, but obedience is what I promised, so obedience is what I gave. I approached the senior pastor (Danny) and small group leader (Mike), and told them that I wanted to do more. I didn't know what that meant, and I didn't want to step on any toes, especially Mike's, because it was his group, and I looked up to him, and he leads in a way that is unparalleled... but God was asking me to step up. Pastor Danny and Mike ended up taking me out for coffee a few days later. They were completely gracious and supportive, and laid out a plan to have me start shadowing Mike, and possibly start leading, after some observation. Long story short, a week later God stepped in and needed me to fill in at the last minute. For a split second my instinct was to say I'm not ready. I need more time. But I promised the Lord I would follow Him. I promised I would go wherever He goes. Wherever He asks me to go. Your will. Not mine. So fast forward to today, and I find myself leading an amazing group of Christ followers, and although I'll always consider it Mike's Group, God somehow, someway has bestowed upon me the honor of leading this group of men every Wednesday night. Remember, it started with acknowledging and obeying a nudge from the Holy Spirit. Obedience. Come follow Me.

God started to give me more responsibilities as our relationship strengthened. His next responsibility lead me to children's ministry. This wasn't a calling I anticipated, but if I'm being honest, neither were any of the others. So like those, I just allowed the Holy Spirit to lead me — and it did. Right to a group of 4th grade boys. Having the opportunity to spend time with them has been a tremendous joy. A joy that was only afforded to me by being still and listening.

Now let me also say that although I don't serve for my own benefit, it's absolutely true that you will benefit from serving, as much, if not more, than those you are serving. Not only that, but we each are called to serve — and whether you know it or not, we've all been uniquely gifted to serve.

God has given each of you a gift from his great variety of spiritual gifts. Use them well to serve one another.
- 1 Peter 4:10

Even Christ came not to be served, but to serve:

And since I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you ought to wash each other's feet. I have given you an example to follow. Do as I have done to you.
- John 13:14-15

I wasn't spiritually mature enough at the time my brother asked me why I believed. I had only faith-based answers for his fact-based questions, and even the answers I had were lacking. Becoming obedient, and serious in my pursuit of Christ, and through serving, I realized I was being used by God and making an impact in His Kingdom. Serving became the catalyst I needed to demonstrate my obedience to God, and to earn His trust.

As God began to trust me, my intentions began to change from drawing closer to God by myself, to drawing others around me closer to Him as well. My mission became to arm myself with as much knowledge as possible, hoping the next time I'm asked to explain my faith in Jesus, I'll have the right answers. But here's what I found out — I simply won't have all the answers — no matter how long I study or how deep I dig. But the saving grace is that I don't need all the answers. Charles Stanley said it best:

The key is not education but obedience. As we act on what we read, the Holy Book “comes alive,” and we begin to hear and understand the voice of God. However, if we have not obeyed what He’s previously revealed to us, why would He give us His deeper truths? “The secret of the Lord is for those who fear Him” (Psalm 25:14), and those who fear Him are the ones who obey His commandments and are promised “a good understanding” (Psalm 111:10).
- Charles Stanley

The key is obedience. I can't possibly have all the answers, all the time, when questioned by a non-believer or someone questioning their faith; however, I can trust God's instruction, and I can trust that at any given moment that I have access to the Holy Spirit — and if I rely on the Lord, if I obey His voice, "He'll reveal deeper truths, and your understanding will grow."

For the Holy Spirit will teach you at that time what needs to be said.
- Luke 12:12

We are reminded of this same promise in Matthew 10:19, Mark 13:11, and Luke 21:15. But if the New Testament doesn't convince you, God also speaks directly about this in Exodus 4:12 and Isaiah 51:16. Although it's my calling, my passion, and my purpose to become a disciple and a defender of the faith, it's not ever going to happen under my own power. I need to be intentional, yes. I need to relentlessly pursue the Lord. I need to go as deep into the Bible and any other supporting historical texts as possible to educate myself, and equip myself for the battles ahead, but even then, my success, and your success, as a disciple, is hinged on one word: obedience

Do you trust God with all your heart, all your soul, all your mind, and all your strength? It may not be easy, but it is that simple.

I may never have an opportunity to witness to my brother again, but I can't worry about that. My focus must be to remain faithful, obey God's voice, and follow Jesus, wherever He asks me to go:

Then, calling the crowd to join his disciples, he said, "If any of you wants to be my follower, you must turn from your selfish ways, take up your cross, and follow me. If you try to hang on to your life, you will lose it. But if you give up your life for my sake and for the sake of the Good News, you will save it. And what do you benefit if you gain the whole world but lose your own soul? Is anything worth more than your soul? If anyone is ashamed of me and my message in these adulterous and sinful days, the Son of Man will be ashamed of that person when he returns in the glory of his Father with the holy angels."
- Mark 8:34-38

What really breaks my heart is knowing there are so many people who have yet to accept Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior. Each of us, myself included, has the power to change that. It won't be easy, and it will take time, effort, and even blood, sweat, and tears for some, but as Christ followers we aren't only asked to follow, we are commanded to go make disciples.

Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit.
- Matthew 28:19

So that's what I plan to do, and I hope that's what you'll consider doing as well. I plan to dedicate my life to making disciples, and sharing the Good News of Jesus Christ with others. Just like God didn't lead the Israelites out of slavery in Egypt to die in the desert, God isn't going to leave you either. If you invite God in to your life, and you are intentional about allowing God to change your heart and heal your soul, He will. He makes a way when there is no way. You start with whatever faith you have, even faith as small as a mustard seed, and you allow it to grow and bear fruit. That's not just my calling, that's everyone's calling.

But my life is worth nothing to me unless I use it for finishing the work assigned me by the Lord Jesus--the work of telling others the Good News about the wonderful grace of God.
- Acts 20:24

My prayer is that the Holy Spirit is already stirring in you, and that you'll begin to recognize it for what it is — God's gift of love, grace, and mercy. The undeserved gift of salvation. For those who still aren't quite sure, I challenge you to pick up the Bible. Start with the New Testament, specifically the Gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John. Allow yourself to remove any bias for a moment, and start to ask yourself why over two-thousand years later we're still having the conversation about a man named Jesus. If faith alone doesn't convince you, I encourage you to explore the facts for yourself. Go outside of Scripture if necessary, and try to uncover the timeline, the places, the people, and the truth about the death and Resurrection of Christ. I have no doubt that what you'll find, if you allow the evidence to lead you, is that the historical Jesus and the Jesus of Faith are in fact the same. Until that moment, my prayer to anyone far from God is simply this:

And I will give you a new heart, and a new spirit I will put within you. And I will remove the heart of stone from your flesh and give you a heart of flesh.
- Ezekiel 36:26