TRAIL TREES

TRAIL TREES

READ:  Isaiah 53:4-12

They pierced My hands and My feet.
…They divide My garments among
them, and for My clothing they cast
lots.  Psalm 22:16-18

In recent years, my daughter has become fascinated with the history of the indigenous people in northern Michigan where she lives.  One summer afternoon when I was visiting, she showed me a road that had a sign designating “Trail Trees.”  She explained to me that it’s believed that long ago the Native Americans bent young trees to point the way to specific destinations and that they continued to grow in an unusual shape. 

The Old Testament serves a similar purpose.  Many commands and teachings of the Bible direct our hearts to the way the Lord wants us to live.  The Ten Commandments are great examples of that.  But in addition, the prophets of the Old Testament pointed the way to a coming Messiah.  Thousands of years before Jesus came, they spoke of Bethlehem-Jesus’ birthplace (see Micah 5:2 and Matthew 2:1-6).  They described  Jesus’ death on the cross in striking detail (see Psalm 22:14-18 and John 19:23-24).  And Isaiah 53:1-12 points to the sacrifice Jesus would make as the Lord “laid on Him the inquiry of us all” (v. 6; See Luke 23:33).

Millennia ago, God’s Old Testament servant pointed to God’s Son-Jesus-the One who has now “borne our griefs and carried our sorrows” (Isaiah 53:4).  He is the way to life.  CINDY HESS KASPER

Thank You for the simple message of  salvation.  Jesus, You are the way, the truth, and the life.  Thank You for giving Your life for me.  I love You.

Jesus sacrificed His life for ours.