Today's Verse: Isaiah 53:5-6

Saturday, March 31, 1962

He was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was upon him, and by his wounds we are healed. We all, like sheep, have gone astray, each of us has turned to his own way; and the Lord has laid on him the iniquity of us all.
Now you can listen to Today's Verse on iTunes, Spotify, Echo devices, and more!

Thoughts on Today's Verse...

As we did yesterday, today we look at one of Isaiah's four Servant Songs (Isaiah 42:1-9, 49:1-7, 50:4-9, 52:13-53:12) that speak of the coming of God's servant Messiah, whom we know as Jesus, our Lord and Savior.
I don't know how Jesus could stand up under the weight of his divine assignment as Messiah and Suffering Servant, but he did for you and me. This servant song (Isaiah 52:13-53:12) emphasizes what Jesus endured and carried, along with the weight of his cross. He carried my sin, your sin, our sin with him to the cross. He allowed the weight of our sins to be placed upon him so that we would not have to bear the consequences of them. But in that sacrifice, as horrible as it was, we find ourselves healed - cured of the most awful disease a person can have, a sin-sick soul full of the rot and decay of death, evil, and hell. As we read two days ago:
God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God. (2 Corinthians 5:21)
He was pierced, crushed, and punished for our sins. In the place of that putrification, he left us with his gracious love, transforming peace, and place with the Father in glory, where we will one day live with him, forever. Yes, "by his wounds, we are healed."

My Prayer...

God of peace, fill my soul with the wonder of your grace, the enormity of Jesus' sacrifice in coming to us, and the wonder of the glory we will share with him because of your love. Please remind me of the cost of your gracious love. Please stir in me the constant and abiding memory of your redemptive grace. Please awaken me to the mission that Jesus lived, died, and rose again, and the mission to share your love in Jesus with the world. Thank you. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen.

Have thoughts on this devotional? Leave a comment

18 Related Resources by Heartlight

Illustration

Illustration of Isaiah 53:5-6 — He was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was upon him, and by his wounds we are healed. We all, like sheep, have gone astray, each of us has turned to his own way; and the Lord has laid on him the iniquity of us all.

Other Devotionals from Heartlight for Saturday, March 31, 1962

Features the apostle Paul's writings turned into daily, powerful prayers.
"Dear Father, growth-giving God, Both the planter and the waterer are equal and shall receive their wages according to their labor. But you give life!..."
A daily guide from the gospels that challenges readers to live for Jesus.
"When [the Samaritans] came out to see [Jesus], they begged him to stay in their village. So he stayed for two days, long enough for many more to hear...."
A daily passage of Scripture emphasizing praise to our God.
"Those who live at the ends of the earth stand in awe of your wonders. From where the sun rises to where it sets, you inspire shouts of joy."
A daily dose of Christian quotes to inspire and encourage.
"The real problem is in the hearts and minds of men. It is not a problem of physics but of ethics. It is easier to denature plutonium than to denature the evil....."

About This Devotional

Today's Verse is a free daily devotional that includes a Bible verse, thought and prayer.

The Thoughts and Prayer on Today's Verse are written by Phil Ware.

All scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION. © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by International Bible Society. Used by permission of Zondervan Publishing House.