Peace

“But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was upon him, and by his wounds we are healed.” Isaiah 53:5

God always goes the extra mile. Just when you thought you could go no farther and had nowhere to turn, God steps in. He robes Himself in flesh and becomes like us so that we can become like Him. For thirty-three and a half years, Jesus walked upon earth to reveal the Father.

At His baptism at age thirty, Jesus heard the affirming words from His heavenly Father, “This is my son, whom I love; with whom I am well pleased”(Mt. 3:17 NIV). Jesus passionately sought to fulfill the Father’s will. Think about the implications of His pursuit. It meant sacrificing His own life on the cross to bring ultimate peace into our lives. He gave His all so that we could experience all that God has to offer.

Jesus was pierced, crushed, and punished so that we might experience the peace of God. He was wounded for the sake of our healing. Jesus took our place. He stepped in so that you could step up and know the One True and Living God personally and eternally.

What are you doing with the peace He gives? What is keeping you from embracing His abiding peace? I am reminded of the bumper sticker that says, “No Christ, no peace! Know Christ, know peace!” Are you full of peace?

Pursuing God,

Stephen Trammell
Pastor of Leadership and Pastoral Care