I spent a lot of time over the years, studying the names of God. This has been an anchor in my life and a huge part of my faith. Powerful!
They are the names we love to sing about and remind ourselves and others: Prince of Peace, Lord of Hosts, the Good Shepherd, the Great Physician, Our God who provides, Lion of Judah, Lamb of God, God who sees and so many more.
But never once, did I really focus on the words, “Man of sorrows”
“He was despised and forsaken of men, A man of sorrows and acquainted with grief; And like one from whom men hide their face He was despised, and we did not esteem Him.”Isaiah 53:3
Normally we don’t think of the Messiah in terms of weakness, sadness, deep sorrow, and grief. Yet Isaiah describes Him precisely in that manner. He understands the depth of human pain and suffering.
In my pain, this scripture has grabbed a hold of me, gently crying out, ” Hear me. Listen.”
sorrow
a feeling of deep distress caused by loss, disappointment, or other misfortune suffered by oneself or others, sadness, unhappiness, misery, despondency, regret, depression, despair, desolation, dejection, wretchedness, gloom, dolefulness, melancholy
grief
deep sorrow, especially that caused by someone’s death, misery, sadness, anguish, pain, distress, heartache, heartbreak, agony, torment, affliction, suffering, woe, desolation, dejection, despair.
Jesus was not made of tephlon but was a man who endured many painful, hurting, rejecting, and difficult situations throughout His life. The loss of Nate and the grief I experience, has been described by others who have gone before me, that its like “Walking around without skin on.” Is that what my Jesus felt like? He had also known for thirty-three years that the cup of brutal suffering would come. Knowing all of that for so long didn’t fix His feelings of intense pain. When the full weight landed on Him at Gethsemane, He pleaded for relief.
In this hour, I am beginning to embrace the comfort and understanding of the Man of Sorrows. That name is salve for my broken heart. He is acquainted with my grief like no other.
“Man of Sorrows,” what a name! It’s the name of the Son of God. His name is Jesus. It’s the name that represents the extremes of pain and understanding, companionship and relief.
Thus begins my journey to know Him in this way…..