"Suffering Savior"

"But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed." Isaiah 53:5

Of course this verse is talking about Jesus- He was wounded, bruised, chastened; other versions say He was pierced, punished, crushed. Whatever version you read this verse out of, it paints no "pretty picture". There was pain and suffering involved in what He went through at the cross. And what He went through was not for Himself. He wasn't punished for His own sins- He had none. He wasn't wounded for His own healing- He wasn't sick. He wasn't chastened for His own peace of mind- He is peace. It was all about us- we were the sinful ones. It was all for us- we were the guilty ones in need.

When you look at the picture of the cross, when you look at the blood shed, at the beating, at the reproach, at the shame, at the pain and agony, can you still live a "casual" life? Can you still be "on again; off again" in your relationship with Him? Can you take your salvation for granted- going days without having intimate time with Him reducing it to only a Sunday service? Can you continue to neglect the salvation that cost Him so much on your behalf?

He loved you so much that He was willing to be the suffering sacrifice for your sins so that He could have a relationship with you. Are you taking that relationship that cost Him everything for granted?

Have a great day. Examine your relationship with Him today. Can't you take time in His presence to drink from the cup and fountain of blessings that came to you because He drank the bitter cup?