The Way Home; Isaiah: Light to the Nations - Tim Knipp (Lev. 5:17-18a; 6:7; Isa. 53:1-11; Acts 8:27-35)

Flawed and fractured,
splintered and stained -
our best efforts laughably
inadequate;
Climbing upon backs
of the fallen,
we destroy with every step
we take
and all we touch
crumbles to talc...
It is a bleak view,
one easy to obsess on,
where many 
see no way
out.

Though you have been sent away,
yet I will call you home.
You will travel across 
physical miles
led by a mere man
to your earthly home.

One day I will send One greater
to bring your hearts finally home.
He will come from among you,
yet He will outshine all
in wisdom and kindness.
He will clothe himself in your shame,
willingly wearing disrespect
and humiliation in public view;
He will submit Himself to torture
and abuse, debased and neglected,
as one of zero value;
He will accept the punishment
for your brokenness and wicked deeds,
lashed for your disobedience,
reprimanded for your rebellion.
He will bring a full-bodied peace,
beyond your ability to comprehend;
He will bring wellness to body
and soul - smoothing eruptions
of flesh and staunching errant
blood flows,
a doctor of divine intent;
and He will bring the Way
across the vast divide
between you and I,
the bridge to leap the chasm
of sin and death 
finally and forever.

It is a done deal,
sealed in stone
and lit 
by the rosy pink dawn
of a future day.

The outcast, the ashamed,
those overcome with guilt
at their own shortcomings,
all who seek 
the suffering Servant
will find Him
in Christ -
our atonement,
our way
home.