Pondering Grace

“But He was pierced for our transgressions, He was crushed for our sins; the punishment that brought us peace was upon Him, and by His wounds we are healed. We all, like sheep, have gone astray, each of us has turned to his own way; and the LORD has laid on Him the iniquity of us all.” - Isaiah 53:5-6

Pierced…crushed…punished…wounded…who could have known that God’s sovereign plan would lead to those atrocities against His own Son? Jesus was not a victim. He was a willing participant in God’s plan to redeem those He created for His glory. From Eve who first tasted sin and its consequences to those who drove the nails in His sinless hands – and for everyone in between and hereafter - that horrific day was necessary to satisfy the righteous, vengeful wrath of a holy God.

In God’s wisdom He created man. In His justice He gave Adam a choice. And in His love He gave us Immanuel – God with us. He who penned all of human history entered His own story. The Word became flesh. God knew every detail of what that decision would entail. The Creator had a choice; but He chose life, even though it meant death. And His desire is that each of us would do the same…choose life in His Son even though it means death to ourselves.

It is hard not to wonder why He would do such a thing. If He knew, “The end from the beginning” (Isaiah 46:10), why even say, “Let there be light”? Why start the whole mess in the first place? Have you ever wondered? If you have come to understand your sinfulness and God’s holiness, you have likely pondered this question. I, however, would like to pose another question. Are you living the life Christ died to give you?

Considering what Christ endured, what the Father sacrificed, and what countless saints throughout the ages have died proclaiming, is the life you are living a display of His glory, goodness and grace? Is it joy-filled and abundant? Do you hate sin and love truth? Are you sacrificing for the spread of the Gospel? Are you grateful, humble and kind?

I believe these are questions worthy of our thought and conversation. God isn’t interested in us understanding the “why” of His plan. He is, however, greatly concerned with how we live today. Right now, this day, is God pleased with your life? This doesn’t mean a perfect life; but it does mean a passionate pursuit of Christ.

Loving Father, I praise You for the sacrifice of Your Son. I will never fully know what He endured on the cross for my sins…but I do know I was the one who deserved Your wrath. I pray that each day I will grow deeper in faith and dependence on Your Spirit so that my life glorifies Your Son. It is in His name, Jesus Christ, that I pray, Amen.