Today's Scripture:

Isaiah 53:4-6 Surely he took up our pain and bore our suffering, yet we considered him punished by God, stricken by him, and afflicted. But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was on him, and by his wounds we are healed. We all, like sheep, have gone astray, each of us has turned to our own way; and the Lord has laid on him the iniquity of us all.

Read: Reflect on a story in your life that pertains to this scripture.
In these verses, Isaiah is prophesying the coming of Jesus. He is foretelling that Christ is going to suffer extreme pain and humiliation and all for our personal healing. At first thought, it seems contradictory that inflicting pain can be a source of healing. But there is an axiom in the health professions, “there can be no healing without injury”.

Reflect: What is this scripture telling you during this season?
The paradox is that Jesus was willing to suffer pain and indignation for our sins-nothing that He has done. It all began with the fall from grace in the Garden of Eden and our separation from the relationship God intended to have with each of us.

Respond: How is this scripture calling you to respond?
If we are honest with our selfish motives, then we understand that we are often victims of our own self will. To be followers of Jesus and to paraphrase Paul, “we must die unto self and put on a new set of clothes”. The miracle of Grace is that Jesus suffered for the sins of me and you. We only have to accept the invitation to His gift of grace and be willing to faithfully and obediently follow Him for a promised life of joy- now and eternally.

About Ron Collins:
Ron and his wife Sharon have been long time covenant partners of Grace. His three children and three of his four grandchildren were baptized at Grace. Ron has served Grace as a trustee, elder, deacon, equipping hour teacher and as a member of the Ministry Support and School Committee teams. He enjoys travel with Sharon, having visited all seven continents and over sixty countries, some of which were dental mission trips with Grace. He enjoys fishing, golf and is a beekeeper.