It takes a journey into Christ and The Story to understand this. You just cannot grasp the distinction of this gift, how radical the love is, how unworthy we are when you just step in from a bruised church story, a hip-self-righteousness, a liberal sense of individualism. Maybe you can tell I know because I was. All. Those. Things.

AND - I was sure I loved Jesus. Oh my redemption has been swift and complete. I was lazy as I see all around me now. Lazy Liberal - not aware of the destruction my lack of attention was adding to the power of Satan in the world, in politics, even in the arc of Gay Rights to see where we are now. And see the underbelly and the darkness I supported: Satan does NOT care what we watch, what we believe, what we listen to, or how we act - as LONG as it does not honor Jesus.

And when we do turn to Jesus - Satan has no defense. He has no perch, no foothold.

I was sure my new age meditations and soul-retrieving ceremonies were bringing me peace and closer to God inside me.... So it takes a journey and I am an expert to have turned from the distraction to the truth:

GOD SO LOVED HIS CREATION HE SENT HIS SON TO SAVE US.

WE NEED SAVING BECAUSE SATAN CREPT IN AN BROUGHT SIN TO US ALL.

JESUS WILLINGLY DIED FOR OUR SINS, AFTER LIVING A PERFECT HUMAN LIFE.

HE ROSE BACK TO HEAVEN. BROUGHT US THE HOLY SPIRIT TO GUIDE US HOME.

So, Isaiah 53:5 prophesized this. That alone is pretty mind-blowing from the outside looking in, right? I had to let the cool-factor of Jesus grab me and then I could not look away. Could not stop wanting a deeper understanding. 

As I have come to understand more and more of the Word, I sit with the Truth of the Story of my life. Of my Saviour. Of my own fall and of my own redemption. Jesus is so personal.

I am who He says I am. It changes how I live.

Isaiah 53:5

New International Version
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.

New Living Translation
But he was pierced for our rebellion, crushed for our sins. He was beaten so we could be whole. He was whipped so we could be healed.

English Standard Version
But 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.

PIERCED - not the washed out gentle one-drop of blood. No, He was butchered. As I watched The Passion by Mel Gibson a few years ago I had to turn away. Just too much for me... but still, even then those few years ago I did not let it STOP me and think about it. Just tuned it out.

Now I am alive in this Redemption. I am living because of this Redemption. I am continually sharing. 

I am grateful for this Redemption. I read His Book Everyday.