The Difference

Isaiah 53:5 – But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was upon him, and by his wounds we are healed. (NIV)

The young man had six silver balls pierced through his lower lip. Three studs were on each side of a semi-circle loop which joined them together. Another woman had a silver stud through her tongue and half a dozen gold loops through her eyebrow. Then there was the girl with the nose ring, the kid whose ears were studded from the top all the way around to the bottom of the lobe, and the lady who was showing off her navel ring.

As I noticed these various individuals and their piercings, I realized anew just how much body piercings are the rage in today's society. Some people choose to be pierced because they view it as a form of beauty. Others elect the procedure to show their individuality. Some choose piercing due to a different view on pain and pleasure and its benefit to their life. Whatever the case, today's piercings are all about me, myself, and I.

Jesus, on the other hand, had a different reason for being pierced. He chose to be pierced for us, for you, for me. His hands and feet were pierced by spikes and His side by a soldier's spear so that His pain might bring our healing. For as God has spoken through His servant Paul, we realize that sin pierces the soul of every living being; therefore, everyone needs healing:

Romans 5:12 – Therefore, just as sin entered the world through one man, and death through sin, and in this way death came to all men, because all sinned — (NIV)

Sin brings death. But Christ brings life.

John 5:24 – I tell you the truth, whoever hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life and will not be condemned; he has crossed over from death to life. (NIV)

I have crossed over from death to life; have you? Have the piercings of Christ healed the deadly wound of sin in your life? If not, then I encourage you to choose to be pierced by His love today. Step out in faith and cross over from death to life. You'll be eternally glad that you did.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, how we thank You for the choice which Jesus made on our behalf! We praise You that He chose to be pierced for our transgressions and crushed for our iniquities, so that we might receive His peace and our healing. In Christ's name, we pray. Amen.

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