All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned—every one—to his own way; and the Lord has laid on him the iniquity of us all.
Devotional Thoughts
By Gary Wilkerson
Think about what Jesus meant when he said, “I am going to the Father.” He wasn’t just talking about a location, meaning the Father’s presence in heaven. He was also talking about a process: his crucifixion, death and burial. Jesus knew he wouldn’t be instantly translated to heaven. His own path forward was the way of the cross, including a crown of thorns and a torturous scourging. He faced all of this before ascending to the Father. Now he told the disciples, in essence, “The works that I do over the next two days will allow a new work that has never been done before.”
Isaiah prophesied about this: “He was pierced for our transgressions; he was crushed for our iniquities; upon him was the chastisement that brought us peace, and with his wounds we are healed. All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned—every one—to his own way; and the Lord has laid on him the iniquity of us all” (Isaiah 53:5-6).
As I read these words, I find myself praising Jesus for the works he did. Because of the cross, I’ve been empowered to say to person after person throughout my life, “You’ve been lost in darkness. But Jesus loves you, saves you and delivers you from all that.” Those simple, humble conversations have amounted to thousands of real-life miracles.
As I think back on those miracles, I’m brought to my knees before Jesus. I cry out to him, “Take me there, Lord, that I may do greater works that you have created for me already.” Amen.