I MEMORIZED THIS CHAPTER WHEN I WAS 10
‘But He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities; The chastisement for our peace was upon Him, And by His stripes we are healed.’ Isaiah 53:5
Growing up, I went to a Christian elementary school. I won’t get into all the differences in schools then and now but one thing that stuck out was the speech team. For some odd reason, I entered and made the speech team. One of my friends was doing it and I guess I just went along.
Because it was a Christian school the speeches we memorized were Bible verse chapters. I’ll never forget Isaiah 53 because it’s what I chose at my my first speech meet. I had to memorize the whole chapter and I was probably in 4th grade.
To this day, every time I read Isaiah 53 I’m transported back into my classroom. I remember all the time it took to memorize that Bible chapter. I was pretty impressed with myself. I don’t think I won the speech meet, however, that moment would be forever remembered. Crazy to think about that 30 years later.
I never enjoyed memorizing Bible verses, but I’d for sure say they help me so much with my job and being a dad. I never remember the whole verse or what book they are in, but I remember enough to look them up and find what I’m looking for.
When I read Isaiah 53 today, I see Jesus on the cross. It’s a reminder of what He went through for me. I don’t feel as if I’m worth the price that Jesus paid for me, but I am. It’s a hard idea to grasp. Someone (Jesus) died for you and me. He did that as an example for us. The example to lay down our lives for one another.
I guess I have to ask myself, “how am I laying my life down for others? How am I representing Jesus to my friends, neighbors and every one around me?”
This verse finishes with healing. I wish and pray so much for so many people to be healed today. As Covid continues to torment our world, I pray for healing. I pray for wisdom of how God’s love can conquer it. I know He can and He will, I just hope we give God credit when it happens.
Healing isn’t just for the physical body either. So many today are tormented in their mind and spirit. Which reminds me to pray for them as well. The mind is such a powerful gift we have. When we are guided in the right way, anything is possible.
Before I attack this day, I must know that God is for me. I must know that others are watching what we do as a representative of Christ. My words matter today. My thoughts are strong and courageous. Something great is going to happen to me today in Jesus name. I’m the head and not the tail, above and not beneath.
Blessings are finding me today.
