Isaiah 53:7, 12
“He was oppressed and treated harshly, yet he never said a word. He was led like a lamb to the slaughter. And as a sheep is silent before the shearers, he did not open his mouth. . . I will give him the honors of a victorious soldier, because he exposed himself to death.”
Two thousand years ago, Jesus bore the punishment for our iniquities so that we might live in peace, love, and righteousness. He was without sin and satisfied God’s wrath against the sins of the nations and sins of individuals. He died that we might live and have peace with God and one another. We have strayed like sheep and gone our own way in matters of race and justice. Together we can take courage as we follow Jesus’s example of standing fearless in the face of injustice. Victory is won and is coming, but we have to be vigilant in our fight to end the sin of racism.
Respond in Prayer
Take a minute now to read all of Isaiah 53, putting yourself into the story. Imagine the oppression and affliction Jesus endured throughout His life and death. Our Heavenly Father weeps as His children are unjustly abused, murdered and trafficked and so should we. Cry out to Him on their behalf and praise Him that He came and won the battle for all of us. For further learning: consider one of these studies on racism and racial reconciliation.
For Families with Kids at Home
Spend time today praying that your kids would come to know, love, and trust Jesus—and that he would lead them in their pursuit of reconciliation for their generation.