Today’s Reading: Isaiah 53
Today’s Verse: But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed. Isaiah 53:5 KJV
We all have had moments of pain, distress, and hardship.
It is a part of life.
How we handle them is what makes the difference.
As Christians it is a product of the fall.
A consequence of human sin against God (Romans 5:12; 1 Corinthians 15:2 KJV).
Some of our suffering is due to our sinful and wrong choices. Some are due to the world being fallen.
But stress can also be seen as something that helps with our growth, and deeper understanding of life.
Our ability to withstand and recover quickly from difficulties.
In this passage, Isaiah was telling others about a Savior that would come to atone for the sins of mankind (Isaiah 53:5 KJV).
The Jews had hoped for a man who would end Israel’s persecution.
They had expected a Messiah, but Jesus did not match what they anticipated.
They had imagined a strong ruler who would lead their nation with worldly power.
However, the Lord was a servant who spent His time with those who had been rejected by society. Those that were low in status or importance.
We know the Savior died a criminal’s death.
That He had warned His followers that they would not be accepted by the world.
Therefore, it was no surprise that the Jewish people rejected Him.
He did not fit what they wanted. He was so much more than they understood.
We have all sinned, and have come short of the glory of God (Romans 3:23 KJV)
All of us will one day stand before God.
In sin, we are unworthy to remain in His presence.
His judgement of sin will be death. An extremely painful eternal existence apart from Him.
That is why He warned Adam that if he sinned, he would die (Genesis 2:17 KJV).
Jesus bore our sin so that whoever trusts in Him, they can look forward to eternal life (John 3:16 KJV).
The Savior chose to bear our punishment.
He voluntarily died the death of a criminal so we could live forever in His holy presence.
He was the way that God could satisfy His justice and still love His people (John 14:6 KJV).
The Savior’s gift of salvation is free.
It requires nothing on our part except that we willingly surrender to Him.
Have you accepted His death on the cross as the atonement for your sin?
Jesus is our Redeemer.
By His sufferings He purchased for us the Spirit and grace of God,
His death leads to life.
His death took away the corruptions, which caused the death of our souls.
He did not say that the road would be easy.
He has not brought us this far to leave us.
He promises to stay with us always.
And we know we can always depend on what He tells us.
His Word is always true.
A WORD OF PRAYER
Savior, we have all sinned and have come short of the glory of God. We know our sins deserve all griefs and sorrows, even the most severe. You have already paid the price for our sins. We are saved from their ruin, by laying our sins on You. Acknowledging them and asking to be forgiven. The chastisement of our peace was upon You and with Your stripes we are healed. We put our trust in You and look forward to eternal life. Thank You for Your loving sacrifice.
In Jesus Name We Pray, Amen