In Common (Isaiah 49-53)

We all, like sheep, have gone astray, each of us has turned to our own way; and the Lord has laid on him the iniquity of us all. (Isaiah 53:6)

Did you know that, no matter where you’re from, no matter what kind of lineage you have, and regardless of your socio-economic status you have something in common with every other person on earth?  Whether you’re rich or poor, educated or not, with someone else or alone, you bear a burden that you aren’t actually strong enough to carry on your own.  That burden is the burden of guilt before a holy God.

Isaiah uses the imagery of sheep to describe us – we have all followed in the footsteps of Adam and Eve as they pursued sin and death over life and peace.  Regardless of how hard we try, we can never be good enough to meet God’s standard of perfection.  Thankfully, the good news is that God saw our helplessness, and He sent His Son, Jesus, to do something about it.  God laid the iniquity (i.e. immoral behavior) of us all on Jesus.

We have reason to celebrate because we know that we have been forgiven.  God has redeemed us through Christ, and we do not carry a burden of guilt any longer.  It’s amazing that Isaiah prophesied the work of Christ hundreds of years before Christ came to the earth.  Be encouraged today to know that, if you have placed your trust in what Jesus did, then you don’t have to carry your burden any longer.  That truly is good news!

Father, as I assess myself, I realize just how far short I fall from whom You desire that I am.  No matter how hard I try, I can never be good enough to stand before You.  Thankfully, You saw my helplessness and sent Christ.  Please keep me from taking His sacrifice for granted.  Let me, instead, live as one who has been redeemed – one who has been bought at a price by a God who loves him deeply.