09/14/2007
Isaiah 53:4-5(NRSV)
4 Surely
he has borne our infirmities
and carried our diseases;
yet we accounted him stricken,
struck down by God, and afflicted.
5 But he was wounded
for our transgressions,
crushed for our iniquities;
upon him was the punishment
that made us whole,
and by his bruises we are healed.
Isaiah 53 is commonly understood to be a prophesy of Jesus. Interestingly, Isaiah writes in the past tense, but this is not uncommon for prophesy. Indeed, God sees the future as if it has already occurred and thus we shouldn’t be surprised, since Isaiah is writing as inspired by the Holy Spirit.
The entire chapter of Isaiah 53 is about Jesus, and I encourage you to read it sometime. Specifically, this chapter speaks of the crucifixion, death and resurrection of Jesus.
Most Jews could not relate this passage to their Messiah, because they were expecting a military leader who would conquer and re-establish the nation of Israel. But we know now that Jesus came not to conquer with the sword, but with the Holy Spirit. “Upon Him was the punishment that made us whole.” We certainly deserve to be punished for our sins, but God Himself sent His son to take our punishment for us. Only He could overcome the pits of Hell and ascend back to Heaven. What a glorious and gracious thing has been done for us. Jesus established a “kingdom” in the form of His Spirit; and this kingdom will never fall.
If we fail to recognize this marvelous gift, we have missed out on understanding who God is. We have failed to realize His love for us.
Take a moment to reflect on this gift you have received. Thank Him for his great love that He has shown you.
Jeff Justus
Cleff Publishing
www.cleffpublishing.com
©2007 Cleff Publishing, all rights reserved.
Terms of Usage: This devotional may be copied or forwarded for personal use without permission, but must include the author, publisher, web link, and copyright notice. Use in another published work must obtain permission first.