By His Wounds We Are Healed
Today’s Bible Verse:
Isaiah 53:5 ESV
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.
Today is October 7. One year ago, Hamas terrorists stormed into Israel in one of the most horrific attacks the world has ever seen. Using this anniversary in our devotion this morning, let us take time to remember the fallen, those still held hostage by Hamas, and the entire family of Israel.
Isaiah 53, often called the "Suffering Servant" passage, prophetically describes Jesus Christ hundreds of years before His birth. In verse 5, we encounter the heart of the Gospel message: our salvation is purchased through Christ's suffering and sacrifice.
The prophet Isaiah uses vivid imagery to portray the extent of Christ's suffering. He was "wounded," "crushed," and "chastised." These words paint a picture of intense physical and emotional pain. Why did Jesus endure such agony? The answer is clear: "for our transgressions." Our sin, our rebellion against God, separated us from Him and brought upon us the curse of death. Jesus, the sinless Son of God, took our place, bearing the punishment we deserved.
The beautiful paradox of the Gospel is that through Christ's suffering, we find healing. Just as the balm of Gilead was a renowned remedy in ancient times, so too are the stripes of Christ the cure for our spiritual wounds. His sacrifice brings us peace with God, reconciling us to our Creator and removing the barrier of sin. By His wounds, we are healed from the disease of sin and death and offered the gift of eternal life.
Lutherans understand that salvation is a gift of grace received through faith in Jesus Christ. Isaiah 53:5 reminds us of the depth of God's love for us, so great that He sent His only Son to suffer and die in our place. We are called to respond to this love with gratitude and a life of service to our Lord.
Prayers
Remember:
The people of the southeast who are dealing with the destruction caused by Hurricane Helene.
All people dealing with cancer
Those who reject Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior.
A Prayer for Today:
Heavenly Father, we thank you for the sacrifice of your Son, Jesus Christ, who was wounded for our transgressions and crushed for our iniquities. By His stripes, we are healed. Help us to live each day in gratitude for your amazing grace, and to share the good news of salvation with others. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
Luther’s Morning Prayer:
I thank You, my heavenly Father, through Jesus Christ, Your dear Son, that You have kept me this night from all harm and danger; and I pray that You would keep me this day also from sin and every evil, that all my doings and life may please You. For into Your hands, I commend myself, my body and soul, and all things. Let Your holy angel be with me, that the evil foe may have no power over me. Amen.
Apostles’ Creed:
I believe in God, the Father Almighty, maker of heaven and earth.
And in Jesus Christ, His only Son, our Lord, who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died and was buried. He descended into hell. The third day He rose again from the dead. He ascended into heaven and sits at the right hand of God the Father Almighty. From thence He will come to judge the living and the dead.
I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy Christian Church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting. Amen.
The Lord’s Prayer:
Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be Thy name, Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven; give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For Thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever and ever. Amen.
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