"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." Isaiah 53:5 ESV
John started hanging out with the wrong crowd. He had been raised in the church, and had a good loving family, and had never been in trouble, but had friends that were part of a gang. One day, he was asked to hold onto a backpack. The police arrived on his doorstep, looking for the bag. John was sure he was going to jail, but one of the friends, who already had a criminal record, confessed that the backpack belonged to him sparing John. This life-changing event caused him to reevaluate the direction his life had been headed.
Where John was spared by the confession of someone who was not blameless, Jesus, who was totally innocent, accepted our blame. He willingly claimed our backpacks filled with sin as his own and took them to the cross. He suffered and died for us, offering us a fresh sinless start. Why would God send his only Son to save us? Only one answer, He loves us.
God, we give you thanks for your only Son, blameless in sin, who carried our sins to the cross. We are remorseful for our transgressions, and we ask for your forgiveness. Help us this day to remember the price of our salvation, and help us make decisions that would be pleasing to you. We ask this in the name of Jesus. Amen.
Blessings!
Pastor Tim
