Daily Dose 9-27-11

Isaiah 53:4-6 Surely he took up our pain and bore our suffering, 
yet we considered him punished by God, stricken by him, and afflicted. But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; 
the punishment that brought us peace was on him, and by his wounds we are healed. We all, like sheep, have gone astray, each of us has turned to our own way; 
and the LORD has laid on him the iniquity of us all.

Did these words Isaiah prophesied about Jesus come to mind as they watched Him suffer and die upon the cross? It’s easy to criticize those who crucified Jesus because we have the rest of the story. Does the knowledge that we have about what He endured for our sin cause us to pause before continuing in sin? The sacrifice was unspeakable. The severity of the “stripes” or beatings He took are hard to comprehend, yet He did it for each one of us. Whatever pain or suffering you may be enduring, know that our Savior feels You pain and His sacrifice and victory will bring comfort and healing to you. Whatever sin you are battling, know that His sacrifice and victory over death made it possible for you to overcome any temptation. What happened on that cross so long ago is not a story placed in a historical document. That sacrifice was powerful enough to extend to us today. More importantly, the empty tomb brings us victory each day as we walk with Him. Live in His victory today!

Loving Father, The gift of Your son for me, and His willingness to be given up for me, is tough to comprehend at times. I am so unworthy of that sacrifice! Thank You for each stripe He took for me. Thank You for the shame He endured on the cross for me. Heal me from the inside out with the power You used to bring Him out of the grave that covered Him with my sin! I love You! Amen