Daily Reading
Reflection
Isaiah's words are heavy to read. They place the blame for Jesus' suffering squarely on our shoulders. Jesus was "wounded for our transgressions." In a sense, every time we sin, we drive a nail deeper into the hands and feet of Jesus. Every time we reject God, for whatever reason, a thorn digs deeper into Jesus' brow.
Crucifixion was messy, violent, and extremely painful. We should rightly be found guilty for our disobedience, and we deserve the punishment of a wrathful, almighty God. But out of love and obedience, Jesus took God's wrath upon himself, so that we might know relationship with God.
As we consider our guilt, it is easy to get mired in despair. But we have hope. Our hope is in nothing less than God himself. He has come to restore us to right relationship with Him. He has taken on our brokenness, and paid our penalty. There is no debt left to be paid.
Jesus' sacrifice for us on the Cross demands action. In Jesus' death, there is an implicit invitation: to respond to things in our life that obstruct our relationship with God with the same wrath that was unleashed on Christ. Certainly, it will be messy. Undoubtedly, it will be painful. But we are not alone, because we are called to unite ourselves with Christ. We have been promised that God will honor our faithful efforts to emulate his character as revealed in Christ. By grace, we have the power to overcome the brokenness of ourselves and live instead out of Christ's wholeness. This is not easy, but Isaiah speaks just as forcefully about our hope as he does about our guilt: "By his wounds we are healed."
Lord Jesus, I admit that I am guilty for your suffering. Because of your love for me, you paid the price for my disobedience. Thank you. Help me to demonstrate my love for you by removing the sin from my life. I need your help. Amen.
Daily Worship Resources
Daily Office Readings come from the Book of Common Prayer, a schedule of daily Bible reading that accords with the Church year. These readings are great worship resources for personal, family, or group use. Use it along with your City Church Worship Folder as a resource for readings, prayers, and hymns.
Printable Devotion