When was the last time you cried, “Not fair! I didn’t cause this, but I’m paying the price.” We people don’t do well when we feel like we’re being treated unjustly. Something in us cries for justice–when the blame rests on another. We want understanding and mercy when we have caused problems. Our Lord shows us a totally different path.
I Peter 1:19,20 and Revelation 13:8b, offer us a fascinating glimpse of the eternal plan. Jesus is referred to as the lamb slain before the foundation of the world. So before the very first human was ever created, Jesus agreed to pay the penalty all humanity would incur. THAT is the heart of our Creator, Savior, Sustainer God. Isn’t it amazing?
Isaiah 53:5-6 frames our focus for this week:
But he was pierced for our rebellion, crushed for our sins. He was beaten so we could be whole. He was whipped so we could be healed. All of us, like sheep, have strayed away. We have left God’s paths to follow our own. Yet the Lord laid on him the sins of us all.
These two verses reveal: Every person is guilty of preferring a self-created path…rebelling against God. And God looked through time, picked up ALL OUR sin and put it on Jesus. The cost of that sin—the consequences—pierced, crushed, whipped, crucified Jesus. Peace and healing flow from Him because He bore our sins effectively.
What has your rebellion looked like? Was it willful resistance or did you just feel unable to do what you knew God wanted? Praise Jesus for meeting you wherever you are!
How does knowing Jesus understood the cost of creating–and loving mankind–affect your heart?
Iniquities are ‘twists of truth’ – maybe intentional – maybe accidental – perversions of God’s plans.
When have you seen the impact of such twists – have you thanked Jesus for paying the price for them?
In what ways have you received the peace and healing Jesus has for you?
The debt is paid, and the resources are yours for the asking. Don’t waste the price Jesus paid. Consider sharing your insights with others. Only together can we see God in His fullness.
This is the third article in a series on Isaiah 53. Previous posts include:
Verses 1 and 2
Verses 3 and 4
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