With APOSTLE FREDRICK KALULUMA
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 NKJV)
Whenever I read the Gospel according to Isaiah (which is what several theologians call Isaiah 53), I am in awe when I see just what Jesus became so that I could become. Often overlooked is the statement “The Chastisement of our Peace was upon Him” found in Isaiah 53vs5
The word Chastisement in simple terms refers to a punishment. The whole essence of a punishment is to make someone suffer for something they have done wrong which will satisfy one’s wrath and also make amends for their wrong.
This can be at different levels. For example if a parent scolds a child for coming home late, that is a chastisement. If someone’s partner is not talking to them with a good attitude because they forgot their wedding anniversary; that is chastisement. If the court sends one to prison for breaking the law, that is chastisement.
The whole essence of a chastisement is to restore peace between the offender and the offended. Brethren we did not have peace with God. Our sins separated us from Him (Isaiah 59vs2). Who then could save us? One man bore the CHASTISEMENT for our peace.
What exactly did Jesus go through? The next verses reveal.
Isaiah 53:7 NKJV He was oppressed and He was afflicted, Yet He opened not His mouth; He was led as a lamb to the slaughter, And as a sheep before its shearers is silent, So He opened not His mouth.
What amazes me is that it pleased God to chastise Him. Why? He had you and me in mind. Look at this verse:
Isaiah 53:10 NKJV Yet it pleased the LORD to bruise Him; He has put Him to grief. When You make His soul an offering for sin, He shall see His seed, He shall prolong His days, And the pleasure of the LORD shall prosper in His hand.
Isaiah 53:11 NKJV He shall see the labor of His soul, and be satisfied. By His knowledge My righteous Servant shall justify many; For He shall bear their iniquities.
This is amazing. By Jesus taking up our punishment, He made Himself a sin offering for us and through knowledge of him, many are JUSTIFIED (ACQUITED AND MADE RIGHTEOUS). Hallelujah. No wonder Paul can now tell us
Romans 5:1 NKJV Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ,
Isn’t it amazing to have peace with God? If you want to be born again; Pray these words; “Lord Jesus, I believe you are the Son of God, I confess you as my Lord and Saviour. I am now born again.”
