Perhaps the Greatest Gospel Verse in the Old Testament

On New Years Day 2017, I have the privilege of preaching on the fourth Servant Song recorded in Isaiah.  It is perhaps the best known. How many of us have not heard many times these comforting words: “But he was pierced for our transgressions; he was crushed for our iniquities; upon him was the chastisement that brought us peace, and with his wounds we are healed. All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned—every one—to his own way; and the Lord has laid on him the iniquity of us all” (Isaiah 53:5–6, ESV)?

 

Further into the riches of this Song, lies, I believe the greatest Gospel verse in the Old Testament .... perhaps the entire Bible.  It is found in Isaiah 53:11 (ESV):

"Out of the anguish of his soul he shall see and be satisfied; by his knowledge shall the righteous one, my servant, make many to be accounted righteous, and he shall bear their iniquities."

The substitutionary death of Christ does not end in failure and regret but in great satisfaction.  The Hebrew is difficult to translate but it is likely that the commendation of Jehovah toward His Servant, as recorded by Isaiah, should read: "By knowledge of Him, shall My Servant justify many."   Who are the "many".  Are they not the same "many" as have looked to Him and realized that He suffered for our transgression, our iniquity?  The Suffering Servant, Jesus Christ, the Righteous, negatively bore our sin but positively granted us righteousness.  What a glorious transaction.

Amazing Grace, how sweet the sound,
That saved a wretch like me.
I once was lost but now am found,
Was blind, but now, I see.