. . . and by His wounds we are healed. Isaiah 53:5b
Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ:
The salvation story of Jesus Christ reaches around the world. So that the readers of our Daily Devotion may see the power of the Savior on a global scale, we have asked the volunteers of our International Ministry Centers to write our Friday devotions. We pray that the Spirit may touch your day through their words.
In Christ, I remain, His servant and yours,
Kenneth R. Klaus
Speaker of The Lutheran Hour
What a love God the Father has for us that He would send His very Son to die for our sins.
The crucifixion of Jesus Christ at the hands of the Roman authorities governing Palestine in the first century was a gruesome affair. Foretold centuries beforehand in Isaiah, the Messiah's mission of salvation was described in exacting detail -- and shows the utter blindness of those who instigated and accomplished this most horrific of deeds. Their crime against the Son of God, however, was not beyond the Father's purpose for His Son's birth in Bethlehem.
"Surely He took up our infirmities and carried our sorrows, yet we considered Him stricken by God, smitten by Him, and afflicted. But He was pierced for our transgressions, He was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was upon Him, and by His wounds we are healed" (Isaiah 53:4-5).
Through the ordeal of Christ's passion, He extends mercy even to those who opposed Him most bitterly. Rather than rebuke them for their heinous transgression against God, He offers -- even when lifted high on the cross -- words of mercy and hope: "Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing. ... (Luke 23:34b).
The Lamb of God sent by the Father came to take away the sins of the world. How characteristic of the Father's love to offer so great a salvation -- absolutely free.
"Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift!" (2 Corinthians 9:15).
THE PRAYER: Dear Father, the love You have shown mankind through the redemptive work of Your Son on the cross is a love beyond our comprehension. Please forgive us our sins, restore us by Your Word, and give us the faith of a trusting child in a loving Father -- for such You are. In Jesus' Name, we pray. Amen.
Biography of Author: This devotion is based on a text submitted by a volunteer with Lutheran Hour Ministries-Latvia. From its office in Riga, LHM-Latvia has been serving this East European nation for nearly 20 years. Using Bible Correspondence Courses (BCC), Equipping the Saints (ETS), and radio broadcasts, LHM-Latvia connects with adults and children through its varied work of sharing the Good News of salvation in Jesus Christ.
To learn more about our International Ministries, click here or visit www.lhmint.org.
Today's Bible Readings: 2 Chronicles 21 Obadiah 2 Corinthians 8
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