Our Scripture meditation is based on Isaiah 53:4-6, from the heart of Good Friday’s Old Testament Reading.
[4] Surely he has borne our griefs and carried our sorrows; yet we esteemed him stricken, smitten by God, and afflicted. [5] But he was pierced for our transgressions; he was crushed for our iniquities; upon him was the chastisement that brought us peace, and with his wounds we are healed. [6] All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned—every one—to his own way; and the LORD has laid on him the iniquity of us all.
As the darkness outside deepens on Good Friday, so our souls sink further into darkness during the Good Friday worship service. We might even reach the point where we don’t want to call it a “worship” service. Where is the praise of God? Where is the adoration?
Instead, as the service unfurls, we recognize more and more clearly that Isaiah was speaking of Jesus. He was stricken and smitten by God the Father. Jesus was pierced for our transgressions. He was crushed for our iniquities.
Why? Because we are all like sheep, choosing to walk away from the shepherd. We find ourselves lost and condemned. As such, the Father laid on Jesus the iniquity of us all.
During the Good Friday service, as we experience again the reality that our sins put Jesus on the cross, recall the words of Isaiah in the middle of this passage: “…upon him was the chastisement that brought us peace, and with his wounds are we are healed.”
Easter is coming. It is assuredly coming. And we can’t wait for it.
Until next week, the Lord bless and guide.
Kevin Wilson 360 