Isaiah 53:2-6 (The Message)
“The servant grew up before God—a scrawny seedling,
a scrubby plant in a parched field.
There was nothing attractive about him,
nothing to cause us to take a second look.
He was looked down on and passed over,
a man who suffered, who knew pain firsthand.
One look at him and people turned away.
We looked down on him, thought he was scum.
But the fact is, it was our pains he carried—
our disfigurements, all the things wrong with us.
We thought he brought it on himself,
that God was punishing him for his own failures.
But it was our sins that did that to him,
that ripped and tore and crushed him—our sins!
He took the punishment, and that made us whole.
Through his bruises we get healed.
We’re all like sheep who’ve wandered off and gotten lost.
We’ve all done our own thing, gone our own way.
And God has piled all our sins, everything we’ve done wrong,
on him, on him.”
As Easter approaches I am reminded of the suffering Jesus endured for us and why He endured it. We have many things that happen in our lives that cause hurt, depression, discord, brokeness and unhappiness. Some of these things are legitimate burdens and concerns, some are very superfiscial. However, the prophecy of Isaiah 53 clearly shows us how much pain Jesus endured so we could be healed. How much suffering He willing took on Himself so He could carry our burden. He is our Saviour! And all the pain He felt, all the pain He received…was our pain.
Give Jesus your hurts and pain today. If your life seems empty, frustrating or hopeless, see what God can do. It’s worth investigating. Our healing was His hurt and His hurt was offered so we can be healed.
Be Happy!
Bryan
