Promises of Peace #15

We've talked about the fact that peace is not something that just happens, but that we need to puruse and strive for. Yet, it is not something we can generate on our own. Not only are we powerless to produce it; we are in poverty too much to pay for it. We see that clearly in Isaiah 53:

 4 Surely he has borne our griefs
    and carried our sorrows;
yet we esteemed him stricken,
    smitten by God, and afflicted.
5 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.

Isaiah helps us step back and see things objectively: Christ has carried the load, endured the punishment, suffered for our sins, been crushed under the load.  He then rose up again, stood up again, and handed us this gift of peace with God.  We feel none of the effects - no grief, sorrow or pain only the overwhelming peace that God provides. This is one powerful promise of peace.