Isaiah 53:5

PASSAGE: Isaiah 53:5 - 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.

PAUSE: It is so unfair to receive a punishment we don't deserve. To be punished for something we didn't do. To be treated unfairly for something we're not responsible for. As a child, to be blamed for something your sibling did. Or worse, as an adult to be imprisoned for a crime you didn't commit. Injustice! But what about the flip side of that? What about being released from punishment you really do deserve? How does it feel to be let off the hook when you know you've made a mistake? When you've really messed up, or even hurt somebody? The truth is, we're all in that camp. We have all rebelled against God in one way or another. We have all made mistakes that have hurt others or hurt ourselves. Our rebellious sinfulness had separated us from God! But Jesus willingly took the punishment and judgment that we deserved in order to give us peace with God! God legally lets us go because the fine has been paid in full. Unfair? Absolutely--an innocent man took the punishment we deserve. That's why it's the greatest gift of all time, and the best news ever that we should share with all who haven't received it yet!

PRAYER: Lord Jesus, where would we be without Your sacrifice? You served as our substitute and died in our place. Thank You Jesus!  Amen.