Isaiah 53:5-6 But He was pierced for our transgressions, He was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was on Him, and by His wounds we are healed. We all, like sheep, have gone astray, each of us has turned to our own way; and the LORD has laid on Him the iniquity of us all. (NIV)

One of my favorite passages in all of scripture, I like to call this: “The Greatest Act of Love.”

We use the word love in so many different ways. We may say that we love a beautiful sunset or we love to watch the Super Bowl. We love to go on a hike or we love Grandmother’s peach cobbler. We use love in so many ways, but God’s love is spelled out in one very poignant way: The Lord has laid on Him the iniquity of us all. (NIV)

The lord didn’t just say that He loves us, but He literally proved it by the greatest act of love in history. He took our punishment. He was crushed for our sins. Isaiah puts it this way: The punishment that brought us peace was on Him, and by His wounds we are healed. (NIV) This was not just a random act of retribution, but a loving act of mercy and grace and atonement. In John 15:12-13, Jesus said: My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends. (NIV)

Would you consider dwelling on this thought today? There is no greater love than what the lord has done for you. He paid a debt that He did not owe for you and for me. Why? Because of His great love for you. When we think about this, it will change our perspective and our outlook on the importance of this very day. Let’s not live it with recklessness or selfishly. Let’s live it for the one who loves us more than anyone could ever love us.

Dear Father, Your love is greater than any other love. You have proved your love by your action. You will always love us and You have done everything for us. What an amazing sacrifice. Thank you, Lord! In Jesus Name, Amen

Rod Compton is the pastor of Calvary Baptist Church in Craig.