A Different Kind of Worship Service

Greetings, Today at church, our pastor did something entirely different. Instead of the typical sermon, and then communion service, he had us do something interactive. He had two tables set up in the worship center. On the tables were papers, crayons, letters, glue, all sorts of stuff. We then were encouraged to take one of three sheets. One was Creative, one was Journal and one was Hymns. Each sheet had the congregation interacting with Isaiah 53, and answering questions about our response to that chapter. We then were encouraged to do a creative response, write a poem or verse, or to write a letter to the Lord. I am sharing here the letter that I read as part of the journal. "Dear _______, You need to know that I have no beauty or majesty that would attract you to me. There is nothing in my appearance that would cause you to desire me. In fact, I was totally despised and rejected by men. I have been referred to as the "man of sorrows" because I am so familiar with suffering, to the extent that many refuse to even look at me. Because of love, I took up your sin and carried the weight of it in my own body. I was struck down by God so that you wouldn't have to be. I was afflicted so that you wouldn't have to be. I chose to be pierced through with a cat of nine tails, crown of thorns, nails & a spear for the transgressions that you did against our Holy Father. I was crushed for your sin andx took your punishment so that you could have peace with God. Because of my wounds, you are healed. My creation, humans, are like sheep who continually walk off the right path. Instead of following my way, they try to do it on their own. How about you? Have you gone astray, or are you following me? Your sin caused me to be oppressed and afflicted. However, through it all, I did not open my mouth. I refused to speak out and defend myself. Instead, I allowed your sin and the consequences of it to be laid upon myself. It was my Father's will that I be crushed and suffer. Because of my love for the Father, I willingly obeyed and laid my life down for you. Nobody took my life from me. I poured out my life unto death in obedience to the Father's will. By bearing your sin and the sin of the world, I have made intercession for sinners. I have stood in the gap on your behalf. I love you. Jesus." This was based on Isaiah 53.

That's beautiful Trish. We should all read that passage frequently to remind us how much our dear Savior did for us. Have a wonderful week.