Old but Sturdy


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


I know a lot of people that roll their eyes and scoff at studying the Old Testament. If you read this verse without knowing where in the Bible it came from you may think that Paul had written it and you would surely think that it was about Jesus. Instead you will find this passage in Isaiah 53:5 (NIV) Reading the Old Testament strengthens and reaffirms my faith. I learn from their experiences, how they are rewarded for acts of faith, how they are punished for their lack of faith and idolatry. I get to see the characteristics of God, and experience them in third person. 

Without reading the Old Testament I would be much more likely to doubt Christ. I however am fortunate enough to read and see how Christ has fulfilled the prophesies. Especially here in Isaiah and know undoubtedly that it was Christ who was pierced (John 19:34) and crushed for my iniquities. That I was the one who deserved the punishment he bore. And that through his wounds I am healed and can have peace. I am thankful that Christ came and filled this prophecy and many more in the Old Testament. It brings me peace, comfort, and reassurance that Christ is the Messiah and I am redeemed by his sacrifice.

Challenge: Read through the prophets’ books in the Old Testament, look for prophecies fulfilled by Jesus and allow them to reaffirm your belief in Christ as your Lord and Savior. 

Comments

Post a Comment

Most Popular

Do you know what is right?

Proverbs 28:5 (NIV) “Evildoers do not understand what is right, but those who seek the Lord understand it fully.” I want to focus on the second half of this verse. Those who seek the Lord understand what is right. How do you seek the Lord? You should be spending time with him in prayer, reading the Bible, going to church and Bible studies. If you are not doing any of these things than I dare to say that you are not seeking the Lord. If you want to know what is right and wrong you need to read the Bible and seek the Lord God. When I seek advice I will only consult with those who I know are seeking the Lord. I do not want to get advice from someone who is engulfed by the world. Wisdom comes from the Lord and if they do not have an apparent relationship with God then I question any “wisdom” that they try to share with me. If someone says something that does not sound scriptural I urge you to question it and have them show you in the Bible and the context. It is ...
Read more

How do you answer temptation?

Matthew 4:3-4 (NIV) "The tempter came to him and said, "If you are the Son of God, tell these stones to become bread." Jesus answered, "It is written that man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God." (Deuteronomy 8:3) How do you react when you know you are being tempted? Do you pray, do you give in, do you do? Ever think that it is impossible to not give in to the temptation? What happens when you fail and give in to the temptation to sin? Do you get mad with yourself after you sin? I know that the devil knows our weaknesses and we will be tempted in those areas. God allows us to be tempted and God knows our weaknesses as well. In 1 Corinthians 10:13 Paul writes, "No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it." There is a...
Read more

Self Reflection.

Galatians 6:4-5 (NIV) "Each one should test their own actions. Then they can take pride in themselves alone, without comparing themselves to someone else, for each one should carry their own load." Here we are told to not compare ourselves to others. If we are constantly comparing ourselves to others we will be constantly let down. We may not be as good as someone, give as much as another, and so on. We are called to test our own actions. Are we doing the best that we can? Are we helping those in need when we have plenty? Are we devoting time to the Lord? Or can we do more, do better? We are to take part in self evaluation, mutually exclusive to others. We are to examine our actions alone and determine if we can do more or do better and then strive to do that. If we are doing all that we can do and we are carrying our own load, then we can take pride in our actions. We may not have all of the information when we look at others externally and we may not be able to accurat...
Read more