April 18

By His Wounds We Are Healed

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." Isaiah 53:5

 The sins of the world weighed heavenly upon our Lord. The weight of those sins crushed our Lord and brought him to the point of death. The nails that pierced his body were meant for us; the suffering and agony we deserved, not him. Every wound that was inflicted on him was meant for us, not him who was perfect and had done no wrong. Indeed, he suffered much that we might obtain peace and have our wounds healed. What a savior this Jesus was, putting himself in our place in death that we might have life! Suffering the torments of those for whom he was dying. There is no greater love to be found than the love of Jesus Christ, our Lord. He gave himself up for us and in so doing he has made available to us his "peace that passeth understanding". Our pain and suffering has become his and we are healed.

Thank you, Lord Jesus, for all you went through on our behalf. You had no reason to go through all that you did; no reason but that you loved your Father enough to obey His plan, and you loved us, before you even knew us, enough to die for us. How our hearts overflow with gratitude and love for you! You redeemed us, you suffered the things that we deserve, you have healed us and given us life! From the bottom of our hearts we thank you. Amen