Bible Reading: Ezra 1&2; John 19:22-42
“But one of the soldiers with a spear pierced his side, and forthwith came there out blood and water” John 19:34 (KJV)
There is a popular song that says “There is a fountain filled with blood. Drawn from Immanuel’s veins.” Truly Jesus was a man of sorrow to the extent that even after He was confirmed dead a sword was still pierced by His side. Another song said it all in line with prophecy in Isaiah 53:3
- “Man of Sorrow” what a name.
For the Son of God, who came
Ruined sinners to reclaim !
Hallelujah! What a Saviour.
- Bearing shame and scoffing rude,
In my place condemned He stood;
Sealed my pardon with His blood:
Hallelujah! what a Saviour.
Every incident in the death of Christ is a fulfilment of prophecy. Zechariah 13:1 (KJV) said, “In that day there shall be a fountain opened to the house of David and to the inhabitants of Jerusalem for sin and for uncleanness.” The fountain that flowed from Christ produced water to cleanse humanity from the uncleanness of idolatry, sorcery, witchcraft and occultism etc. The fountain produced blood which is shed for the remission of sin and as the seal of the everlasting covenant. Both sin and uncleanness is removed from us by His death. The house of David in reference are the ordained ministers of the gospel entrusted as shepherd in God’s household, while the inhabitants of Jerusalem are the followers of Christ under the ordained ministers.
Piercing Christ is also an action in prophecy of Zechariah 12:10. Piercing Christ was an action of hatred which cannot be justified for any reason but for prophecy to be fulfilled. He came with true love to save humanity but the same human race treated Him with so much disdain and humiliation. In all this He complained not. No wonder Isaiah 53:7 (KJV) described vividly His silent disposition in His death “He was oppressed, and he was afflicted, yet he opened not his mouth: he is brought as a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before her shearers is dumb, so he openeth not his mouth.” All these he did to provide the great provision for our cleansing. “How much more shall the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself without spot to God, purge your conscience from dead works to serve the living God?” Hebrews 9:14 (KJV). HIS LOVE TOOK IT ALL FOR US!!!
Prayer: Father let me never lose sight of the suffering of Christ for my redemption
Bro. Joel Ezeugo