Isaiah 53
We’ve heard the story of the Gospel so many times, how this man named Jesus was crucified so that we could go to heaven and have our sins forgiven. Let’s just slow down enough to really think about this. I just stumbled across this in Isaiah:
Isaiah 53:5-6
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. All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way; and the LORD hath laid on him the iniquity of us all.
What really grabs me is I know that I can rephrase that and have it read, “But he was wounded for Luke’s transgressions, he was bruised for Luke’s iniquities…” Plug your name in there. I don’t know about you, but I’m just kind of speechless after realizing that. Not only was innocent blood shed for me, it was God’s own son that He willfully gave as a sacrifice for me, so that I might have a second chance.
I… have spent the past several minutes trying to find a direction to go from here. What I’m coming up with is that, after realizing how great God’s love is, how amazing His mercy is, I think it’s pretty much impossible to not be overwhelmed with thankfulness. If you’re not feeling that, you might want to examine yourself. What does the Gospel to mean? Why do you think Jesus died? Who is your king?
Me, I’m pretty much overwhelmed. I know I seem to write things along this line from time to time, but the truth is I’m still amazed. That we have such a loving God, such a merciful God, such a good God — who cares for you and me, individually — it’s just incredible.