Monday October 23, 2023

Today is Monday, October 23 and we are learning what the Bible says about bearing with others.

As I begin this time of prayer, I pause and become still. I quiet my mind, slow my breath and open my heart to the presence of the God who loves me.

Pause and Pray

Blessed Lord, thank you for the community of faithful followers I have found in my church home. I am grateful for valuable relationships that strengthen my steps and nourish my faith. Show me what it means to live life together and bear with one another in love. Amen.

I praise God and rejoice in his love with the words of Isaiah 40.

He tends his flock like a shepherd. He gathers the lambs in his arms and carries them close to his heart; he gently leads those that have young. Isaiah 40:11

Pause and Pray

In the ancient prophecies of Isaiah, God promises to send a Suffering Servant to rescue humanity from death and sin. As a result of the Fall, the beautiful relationship God established with his Creation was broken. Humans are the ones who have transgressed, gone astray, committed iniquity and turned to their own evil ways. In order for humanity to turn back to God, a Suffering Servant was needed. The Servant was wounded, crushed, punished, and bruised. The Servant was crucified. He carried our iniquity and bore our sins in his body on the cross. The Suffering Servant of Isaiah is Jesus Christ, God’s beloved Son.

Surely he took up our pain and bore our suffering, yet we considered him punished by God, stricken by him, and afflicted. 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. Isaiah 53:4-6

Like a wayward sheep, I also have gone astray. With stubborn pride, I turn to my own way and fail to follow God’s perfect path. I am aware of my sinful nature and separation from God. I recognize the only way of restoration is through a power outside of myself. I need Jesus. Jesus is my Suffering Servant. Out of his great love for me, he was pierced for my transgressions. He was crushed for my iniquities. The punishment and disgrace of the cross resulted in my redemption. His suffering brought me everlasting peace. His wounds healed me. All of me. Continually he is the one who takes up my pain, heals my hurts and bears my suffering.

Ask: What sins has Christ born on the cross for me? How has Jesus carried my pain?

Pause and Pray

Blessed and Holy Lord, thank you for loving me. Thank you for your willingness to carry my burdens, comfort my pain and share in my suffering. Thank you for forgiving my sin and restoring me into right relationship with God. Thank you for going to the cross for me and suffering for my soul. You were pierced for my transgressions. You were crushed for my iniquity. Your wounds saved me. I read the words from Isaiah again and listen for the message you have for me.

Surely he took up our pain and bore our suffering, yet we considered him punished by God, stricken by him, and afflicted. 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. Isaiah 53:4-6

Ask: What image, word or phrase stands out to me when I slowly read this passage? What is God trying to say to me through these words of scripture?

Pause and Pray

I consider the times in my life when I have chosen my way and rejected God’s way. There have been times when like a sheep I became lost and in trouble. I was in need of a Good Shepherd to come and find me and lead me back home. Jesus came. Perhaps I have endured pain and suffering and need to lay my burdens down and let Jesus carry them for a while. Maybe I have sins that need to be confessed, knowing that Jesus bears every sin in his own body on the cross. I rejoice to know that I am set free from sin and death and have healing and peace in the cross of my Savior.

Pause and Pray

Come, Lord Jesus, you are the Shepherd of my soul. Reveal any crooked way that remains in me, examine my conscience and inspect my motivations. Point out all my iniquity and every transgression. Bring your healing grace and loving kindness. Forgive me and restore me to the right path once again. Amen.

He poured out his life unto death, and was numbered with the transgressors. For he bore the sin of many, and made intercession for the transgressors. Isaiah 53:12

I leave this time of prayer redeemed by the love of Christ, I go to love others and bear their burdens in his name.

Amen