Lent Devotion | Day 10

Isaiah 53:5 (NIV)

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.

When I was a kid, we used to play a game called, Wanna Swap? You would approach a friend with your hand in either pocket of your pants concealing some trinket and ask your friend if they wanted to swap items they had in their pocket. Not knowing what you might get in return was part of the intrigue. Most often, the fun was in agreeing to the swap and exchanging the worthless trinkets.

I think of that game when I read this verse. Shy of actually reading the account of Jesus’ last days on his way to the cross, these verses describe a most brutal way to die on our behalf. The piercing, crushing and punishment were endured to give us peace.

There is no greater love than laying down one’s life for a friend; it is the ultimate expression of sacrifice and commitment to the relationship.

Imagine Jesus coming to you now and asking, “Wanna Swap”?

He wants to give you his peace while taking your punishment. Are you up for that?