Surely, He Has Borne Our Sorrows

Isaiah 53:4-5

Surely He has borne our griefs And carried our sorrows; Yet we esteemed Him stricken, smitten by God, and afflicted 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.

Easter is a time to think about the resurrection. Because of Christ we have been renewed in our spirit. Easter is a time to rejoice, to sing hallelujahs, and to celebrate the resurrection. It is easy to forget the griefs and sorrows that once burdened us down. It is human nature to want to walk in the light and not remember our transgressions and our iniquities. Christ’s resurrection has given us a new life. But let us never forget that he carried our sorrows and has taken our despair.

It is because Jesus was willing to walk up the pathway to Golgotha’s hill that we can turn our griefs and burdens over to him. Because he was willing to suffer and die for us we can now live a life of freedom and deliverance. Verse 4 tells us that we esteemed him stricken, smitten by God and afflicted. Why did he have to suffer these afflictions? He suffered them because he loved you, he loved me.

We are a sinful people. Our heart is full of wickedness, and we have done our share of transgressions and iniquities. But what Christ did at that first Easter has rescued us from our misery. He was chastised that we might find peace. He was beaten with 39 stripes so that we might be healed.

I wonder if Christians really appreciate what Christ has done for us. When Jesus arose from the dead, he brought our deliverance and our salvation. We no longer have to bear our griefs or carry our sorrows. Christ will do it for us. We no longer have to feel overwhelmed by guilt and feelings of worthlessness over our sinful behavior. His obedience brought us forgiveness. Christ has purchased our peace with his suffering.

Whenever you begin to feel overwhelmed by sorrows or sins or confusion, remember that Jesus paid the price for your healing. You no longer have to suffer under the weight of despair and feelings of failure. You no longer have to stay under the dark clouds of doubt and confusion. Christ has set you free, God has forgiven you, and the Holy Spirit has given you peace.

This Easter let’s rejoice in the resurrection. But let us also rejoice in the deliverance we have received which the resurrection symbolizes in our life.

-- Dave