“But he was pierced because of our rebellion, crushed because of our iniquities; punishment for our peace was on him, and we are healed by his wounds.”
‭‭Isaiah‬ ‭53‬:‭5‬ ‭CSB‬‬

I’ve never had an innocent person take the blame for something I did (other than Jesus, that is.) However, there was one person, my cousin, who took all the blame for something we both did: started a fire that ended with firetrucks. (And actually, he may have tried to tattle on me, but no one took him seriously.)

It is hard to take the blame and punishment for something you did. It’s so much harder when you are punished for something you didn’t do, especially when you know exactly who deserves that blame and punishment.

When I read today’s verse, I see that Jesus didn’t just accept the blame and punishment that should have been mine, He went beyond than that. Miraculously, His punishment healed me. It gave me peace with God.

When my cousin was punished for something we both did, I felt guilty. Obviously I still do if I’m remembering it because of this verse. I do not have peace simply due to my cousin’s punishment. I got away with a bad thing, but I have to live with the emotional scars of the event.

But Jesus’s sacrifice provides healing, complete forgiveness, and peace with God. I don’t have to feel guilty — just joy and gratitude! Because of Jesus taking my blame and punishment, God looks at me without judgment. He accepts me as His beloved, pure child. He no longer sees the evil I perpetrate. What a miracle!

Dear God,

Thank you for not only taking my punishment away, but also for removing the sin and blame and shame from me entirely. What a wonderful relief to know that your forgiveness provides complete healing and restoration! I am so grateful for your peace, so undeserved yet so welcome.