Anticipate Peace

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.—Isaiah 53:5

This long section of scripture, spoken hundreds of years before the birth and death of Christ, is chilling. While it is devasting to know God was aware that his only Son would be pierced, crushed, punished, it's equally hopeful that with it comes peace and healing. This is our God. Finding his way through the impossible dilemmas of human life. He found a way to pardon and punish. He found a way to uphold His love and justice. He became the sacrifice for the sin of all humanity. How about that for a perfect solution—it's peace.

DO THIS: Make peace with people today: those you love and those you don't.

PRAY THIS: God, help me to extend the peace that you so generously gave to the entire world.