based on the LGG Study, Firm Foundation, w3d2
Scripture and Observation:
Read: Isaiah 53:5 and 1 Peter 3:18
But he was pierced for our rebellion,
Isaiah 53:5
crushed for our sins.
He was beaten so we could be whole.
He was whipped so we could be healed.
For Christ also suffered once for sins, the righteous for the unrighteous, that he might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh but made alive in the spirit,
1 Peter 3:18
Peter writes about the reality of Isaiah’s prophecy. A reality that is very much to our benefit and is the incredible testimony of our God’s mercy, love, and grace. Christ was crucified, suffered, and died so that we could be healed from our sins and shame. Why? Because all have sinned and fallen short of God’s glory and the wages of those sins is death; but God so loved the world that He gave His only son that whosoever believes in HIm should not perish but have eternal life.
Without the suffering of Christ on the cross – pierced, crushed, and beaten – sinners/humanity – you and I would never know peace with God. You see, while Christ is sinless(righteous), we are sinful(unrighteous), which is why Peter wrote: “…the righteous for the unrighteous, that he might bring us to God …”
Living Out the Journey: Application
The Love God Greatly journal entry for today explains that “The crucifixion was not just a tragic event; it was the fulfillment of God’s redemptive plan. Jesus willingly laid down His life, bearing the weight of our sins. This selfless act of love satisfied the justice of God, who cannot overlook sin. By carrying our sins, He willingly took on the punishment that you and I both deserve. Jesus made it possible for us to receive forgiveness and be restored to a right relationship with God.”
Friends, our sin rendered us lifeless and hopeless and destined for death, but in love, God made a way for us to come back into a right relationship with Him and enjoy eternal life in His presence. May we return His love and enter into that relationship wholeheartedly. May our faith rest firm in the foundation of His death and resurrection, through which we have new hearts, peace, and healing. May we live not as the sinners we were but as the new creations we’ve become – covered in the righteousness of Christ and filled with His Holy Spirit.
Prayer for the Journey
Father God, thank You for the crucifixion – the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus. Thank You for sending Jesus to take our place on a cross of sin and shame and suffering – that we might be healed and receive Your free gift of salvation by grace through faith that leads to eternal life. This is the hope and joy we cling to and give You praise – now and forever more – Amen!
The More We Know
The crucifixion also reveals the incredible depth of God’s love for us that He was willing to sacrifice His own Son to save us. This act of grace is the foundation of our faith and the assurance of our salvation.
Love God Greatly, Firm Foundation/p97
Me From the Inside Out 