Embrace His Death and Resurrection
Bore the Sins for Many – Part 2

Scripture Reading: Isaiah 53:1-12

Key Verse: Isaiah 53:12

Therefore I will give him a portion among the great, and he will divide the spoils with the strong, because he poured out his life unto death, and was numbered with the transgressors. For he bore the sin of many, and made intercession for the transgressors.

We pick up where we left off in yesterday’s devotional.  Jesus left heaven’s glories to come to earth and teach us about God and His kingdom.  The plan for our salvation was not complete with filling our heads with knowledge.  God wants a holy people in their lifestyle.  He is not interested in our understanding of holiness; He is interested in us living out holiness.  It’s great if we understand and can tell people about the principles of the Bible.  But God’s people could do that before Jesus ever came to earth.  The problem was and is today, God demands a righteous people who stand out in this world.  As the Apostle Peter wrote: “But just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do; for it is written: Be holy, because I am holy” (1 Peter 2:15-16).

            God’s people, full of head knowledge, still fell so far short of Holy living that Jesus had to go further.  The Prophet Isaiah had predicted this: “…he poured out his life unto death…for He bore the sins of many, and made intercession for the transgressors” (Isaiah 53:12).  Yes, Jesus would go all the way to the cross to gain the prize that the Father in heaven wanted: A holy people.  Jesus would spill His blood to cover our sins.  Now, for all who will receive Jesus by faith, God’s righteousness becomes our righteousness (Romans 1:17).  We can be a holy people and walk worthy of Him; it all starts at Christmas!

Father, I praise you for your great plan of salvation.  I can’t understand your love, but I receive it with thanksgiving!  In Jesus’ name, amen.