But he was wounded for our transgressions, crushed for our iniquities; upon him was the punishment that made us whole, and by his bruises we are healed. (v. 5)
FOR THE SAKE OF OTHERS
Some vocations occasionally require suffering for the sake of others. Nurses, doctors, social workers, those serving in the military, firefighters, police officers and many more sometimes must put themselves in harm’s way for others.
When we hear in the news about someone who acts heroically to save another, we are moved and touched. In Isaiah, it is the servant – our savior, Jesus Christ – who is hailed for standing in harm’s way for all of us. He suffered for the nations, not just for the Israelites. Like a police officer who puts life on the line to save someone who has put himself in a precarious situation, Christ sacrificed himself because we sinned, we transgressed.
And what about the rest of us, those who don’t have to make a personal physical sacrifice? We are called to use the gifts that God has given us. The gift of grace frees us to do what God asks of us. Our faith in Jesus Christ and the sacrifices he made for us give us hope to trust in ourselves and in humanity.
We are called to love one another as God loves us. The Holy Spirit acts within us to inspire, uplift and awaken the gifts God has given us. Let our faith sustain us so that we trust in that which God asks us to do, even when we may have to give of ourselves for the sake of others.
Dear Lord, we are thankful for those around us who take the blows for us. We are especially grateful for the sacrifice that was made for us sinners. Thanks and praise to you always!
Michon Weingartner
