God's Glory Church

“He took our infirmities and bore our pains.” — Isaiah 53:4

As a result of the earthquake-induced accident at the Fukushima nuclear power plant in 2011, a large amount of radioactive substances was released. More than one hundred and fifty thousand residents of the surrounding areas were forced to evacuate. One of them said: “It is as if invisible snow fell on Fukushima, and continues to fall, covering the ground.” High levels of radiation were recorded in plants and animals many kilometers away from the power plant. As a countermeasure, people started planting sunflowers – plants that are known to absorb radiation. More than two hundred thousand seeds were planted, and now millions of sunflowers are blooming in Fukushima.

These sunflowers are a miniature reflection of the universal feat of the Lord Jesus Christ, capable of healing the whole world. The prophet Isaiah said that He “took our infirmities and bore our pains… He was tormented for our sins, the punishment was on Him for our peace” (Is. 53:4-5). He “absorbed” our crimes. On the cross, Jesus Christ suffered not for His own, but for our iniquities (v. 5). And now, because He died for us, we receive salvation and fullness of life. “By his stripes we are healed” (v. 5).

Jesus Christ does not just stand aside and forgive us. He took upon Himself our toxic evil and is now spiritually healing us.

What sins did the Lord Jesus forgive you? How does the fact that He took them upon Himself change your view of God’s forgiveness?

God, You protected me, protected me and walked beside me. Help me now to care for others in the same way.

Author: Wynn Collier