In Chapter 53 of Isaiah, the Prophet foretells the suffering of the Messiah, the end for which he was to die and the resulting salvation for mankind from His death and resurrection.
Isaiah 53:5-6 “[5] But he was pierced for our transgressions; he was crushed for our iniquities; upon him was the chastisement that brought us peace, and with his wounds we are healed. [6] All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned – everyone – to his own way; and the Lord has laid on him the iniquity of us all.”
In these beautiful verses, Isaiah explains why Christ was stricken, smitten by God and afflicted (v.4). It was for us, for our transgressions…for our iniquities. It was in our place that the Messiah suffered. In v.5, Isaiah announces that provision for healing is found in the suffering of Jesus Christ, so with his wounds we are healed. And in v.6 he describes the need for the Messiah’s atoning work, that all of us, like stupid, headstrong sheep, have gone astray. We have turned on our own sinful ways, rather than following the ways of God. But God in his grace judged our iniquity as it was laid on Jesus Christ!
Knowing that Christ was pierced for my transgressions, that he was crushed for my iniquities, that his punishment gave me peace and that his wounds brought me healing overwhelms my heart with joy. I must then give praise to God almighty for this grace and salvation that I don’t deserve! By faith I claim the perfect healing that was provided to me through His wounds on the cross and I will live everyday of my life focused on His ways rather than my sinful ways.
Prayer: Lord, I thank you for both the physical and spiritual healing provided for me by the wounds you suffered on the cross. I give you glory Lord for realizing how lost I was in my ways and taking up my iniquity upon Yourself. 1 Peter 2:24-25 “He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, that we might die to sin and live to righteousness. By his wounds you have been healed. For you were straying like sheep, but have now returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls.” Amen!
