“The punishment that brought us peace was upon him (Isaiah 53:5).”
Your peace depends totally, absolutely, completely and finally on this accomplished fact. There is nothing left for you to add to this fact. Just trust in what Jesus did on the cross for you.
You come to such an acceptance by humbling yourself before God. The fact that Jesus took your punishment means you are pardoned. No longer you need to fear punishment.
But a proud heart will not accept this fact. It will always try to do certain good works and try to earn the approval of God. It can’t be done that way. “There is no peace,” says the LORD, “for the wicked (Isaiah 48:22).”
Again, did Jesus do anything that deserved punishment? You know very well that no one ever accused him of committing sin. It was innocent blood that was shed. So it was our sins that brought this punishment on him.
And therefore those who trust this fact are freely justified. Now what does that mean. In God’s eyes, you are as if you never sinned. Therefore we have peace with God (Romans 5:1, 9).
Do you enjoy this peace? This peace does not rest on your emotions. You may be feeling anxious and worried due to situations at home or office or you may be facing financial crisis or relationship issues. Even in the midst of all these, peace with God remains unchanging. Because it rests on the fact that Jesus took all our punishment.
And how do we learn to enjoy more of his peace. By allowing him to govern your life. For the Bible says, “Of the increase of his government and peace there will be no end (Isaiah 9:7).” So have an increase of his peace in your life by crowning him King of your life.
And never let the blood on the cross move out of your mind’s eye. For it is his blood that has brought us peace. No longer is God against you. All the punishment due you was put on Jesus on the cross. Will you thank God for that today?
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Insight
It is like a gift voucher offered to you so that you pay 0 at checkout. Get yours from Jesus; he will give you one for the exact amount and all your debts will be set off against it.
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