READING: Isaiah 53-55, 2 Thessalonians 1
“But he was pierced for our transgressions. . . .”
Isaiah 53:5
You and I are guilty sinners. In fact, all human beings are. We’re all like sheep gone astray; all of us “have turned—every one—to his own way” (Isa. 53:6). We know that, but I’m not sure we realize just how desperately lost that makes us. We’re not good enough to stand in God’s presence, and we’re not smart enough to figure out how to fix the problem. Rather, we’re in deep trouble apart from the grace of God. That’s where the beauty of the gospel becomes most real.
Isaiah watered down nothing as he spoke of our problem. It was “our transgressions” and “our iniquities” that caused the problem, and it should have been our punishment for our choices (Isa. 53:5). Instead, the price the Savior paid for us was heavy and severe. He was “pierced” and “crushed” as He suffered our wounds and carried our iniquity (Isa. 53:5-6); He bore our chastisement so that we might have healing and peace (Isa. 53:5-6). “There was no deceit in His mouth,” the text says, “yet it was the will of the Lord to crush Him” (Isa. 53:9-10).
Frankly, I don’t know what else to write here. I stand amazed, filled again with wonder at the story. My thoughts cannot fathom His love, and His willingness to “abundantly pardon” those who seek Him and turn from their wicked ways (Isa. 55:7) is beyond my comprehension.
ACTION STEPS:
- Focus your heart on the cross today.
- Thank God for the shepherd who paid the price for His sheep.
PRAYER: “God, I can say only what I said yesterday: ‘Thank You. Thank You.’”
TOMORROW’S READING: Isaiah 56-58, 2 Thessalonians 2
