JOHN SHIRK – Today’s Light Reflection is from Isaiah 53:4 and 5.
This is a prophecy about Jesus, “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.”
This prophecy came to light at the cross, where Jesus died for our sins. At the time this prophecy was written, crucifixion had not been invented. Yet, the prophet wrote about the way Jesus would be pierced for our transgressions.
The cross was the place of the great exchange, where the Savior suffered for our sins so that we could be forgiven by God and restored to a peaceful relationship with God. Our ultimate healing flows from the blood of Jesus shed at the cross.
This Light Reflection inspires us to remember the price that was paid for our redemption in the Year to Shine.
John Shirk
john@wjtl.com
JOHN SHIRK – In the Year of Vision, today’s 20/20 Insight focuses on a prophecy about Jesus’ death.
It’s found in Isaiah 53, verses 4 to 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.”
This prophecy contains the prediction of Jesus’ sacrifice for our sins. Suffering is a harsh reality of life, and sometimes people blame God for it. But one thing that we learn here is that Jesus would be willing to take on the pain of our sin’s penalty to extreme measures. He knows the pain of the cross.
His pain had a redemptive purpose-to restore us to a right relationship with God.
Focusing on Jesus as the Suffering Savior gives us greater clarity for living out the Christian life.
John Shirk
john@wjtl.com
JOHN SHIRK – Today’s Eye on Integrity is based on First Peter 2:24 and 25.
Speaking of Jesus, “He himself bore our sins in his body on the cross, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness; ‘by his wounds you have been healed.’ For you were like sheep going astray, but now you have returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls.”
The expression of God’s grace was costly to Jesus. He paid for our redemption with His own blood. That is the payment we needed, and that is what He offered. That is why His grace is enough, and why we do not need to add anything else as a condition for salvation. If we trust in Jesus, we will know the blessing of His grace and be moved by His righteousness to do what is right in the eyes of God.
Walking in righteousness is a virtue to embrace for our lives in the Year of Integrity.
John Shirk
john@wjtl.com
