Liz’s Morning Devotional: Scripture selected from Upper Room
May 9, 2022
Read Isaiah 53:1-5
1 Who can believe what we have heard, and for whose sake has the LORD’s arm been revealed? 2 He grew up like a young plant before us, like a root from dry ground. He possessed no splendid form for us to see, no desirable appearance. 3 He was despised and avoided by others; a man who suffered, who knew sickness well. Like someone from whom people hid their faces, he was despised, and we didn’t think about him. 4 It was certainly our sickness that he carried, and our sufferings that he bore, but we thought him afflicted, struck down by God and tormented. 5 He was pierced because of our rebellions and crushed because of our crimes. He bore the punishment that made us whole; by his wounds, we are healed.
Good Morning, By His wounds, we are healed!
This prophecy in Isaiah is the atonement of Christ. Christ came as a person to this earth to bear all of our sins and transgressions.
The imagery of Christ on the cross is difficult to handle. Imagine an artist working to represent all that is evil in the world within the framework of one person. How do you personify hate, jealousy, or greed? I have participated in activities where you assign colors to different emotions, but this is so much more. Once the completed image is on display, who would look at it? Most would probably walk away in disgust or maybe even fear.
Let’s contrast that image with an image depicting all the love, hope, peace, and joy that Christ represents to the children of God. This would be the painting that draws in those who pass by and warm their hearts unexpectedly. They might not know why, but they linger and embrace all that is emanating from the image. Many might return to the painting many times.
Our lives as Christians should mirror that second image. We are called to reflect Christ to the world. Christ died for our sins so that we might be cleansed from our earthly desires and shine with the brightness of new beings. We should be seen as children full of life, full of love, and full of hope. When we exude Christ, others want to come and find out how they may find the love and peace around which our lives exist.
“God is love, and whoever abides in love abides in God, and God abides in him. God is love, and all who live in love live in God, and God lives in them. God is love, and he who abides in love abides in God, and God in him. God is love, and he that dwelleth in love dwelleth in God, and God in him.” 1 John 4:16
Loving and Gracious God, Thank You for loving us. May we shine in our faith and bring others to the light. Despite our afflictions, it is the love that remains. Thank You. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen
Thought for the day: Let the love of God shine through you.
Love Remains! Pastor Liz
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