Terrorists kill, disrupt and destroy.  They operate secretly.  But, Congress is concerned about torturing terrorists.  CIA operatives have been “water boarding” them – simulating drowning in order to extract information on terrorist plans and the location of other wrongdoers.  The technique is cruel, but effective.  It leaves no marks and seldom results in death.

Jesus Christ came to give us life, peace with God and access to heaven.  He publicly called sinners to repentance and proclaimed the kingdom of God.  He was betrayed, arrested, falsely accused, given a mock trial and condemned to the death deserved by terrorists.  Isaiah describes the fate of the Suffering Servant (Jesus Christ): “he was wounded for our transgressions; he was crushed for our iniquities; upon him was the chastisement that brought us peace, and with his stripes we are healed.” (Isaiah 53:5 ESV)

He was wounded for our rebellion.  The word “wounded” means “pierced through.”  When the Romans crucified Jesus, they drove spikes through His hands and feet.  The pain is fiery, every nerve ending burns intensely.  A crown of thorns pierced His head.  They drove a spear into His side. 

He was crushed because of our guilt.  The soldiers beat Him with reeds and gave Him a heavy cross to carry.  That cross was really ours. 

Upon Him was the chastisement that brought us peace.  He bore the punishment for our sins.  By bearing the penalty of the wrath of God for us, Jesus Christ brought and bought us peace – reconciliation with the Father in heaven.

With His stripes we are healed.  The Roman soldiers made whips interlaced with bits of bone to inflict the most damage on their victims.  They literally tore the flesh off of His back.  His wounds opened to all manner of infirmity and disease.  Every mark on His body hastened death.  His nerves were on fire.  His blood flowed in rivers.

He took all of your grief, all of your punishment, all of the wrath that you deserved, looking forward to the joy of having you in heaven, looking forward to sparing you from the punishment for your sins, looking forward to healing your relationship with God.

Truly, “with his stripes we are healed.”  Amen.

Pastor Raymond Van Buskirk, Redeemer Lutheran Church, Baytown, TX www.rlcbaytown.org