It Was For Me

April 2021 – Grace & Truth Magazine

It Was For Me!

When I read Isaiah 53, I am often struck by the use of the words “we,” “our” and “us.” We see:

• “We hid ... our faces from Him ... and we did not esteem Him” (v.3 NKJV)
• “He has borne our griefs and carried our sorrows” (v.4)
• “He was wounded for our transgressions ... bruised for our iniquities” (v.5)
• “The chastisement for our peace was upon Him, and by His stripes we are healed” (v.5)
• “All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned, every one, to his own way” (v.6)
• “The LORD has laid on Him the iniquity of us all” (v.6)

John M. Whyte (1850–1927), a hymn writer, asked,

“Was it for me He wept and prayed, my load of sin before Him laid; that night within Gethsemane, was it for me, that agony?
“Was it for me He bowed His head, upon the cross, and freely shed His precious blood – that crimson tide, was it for me the Savior died?
“It was for me, yes, all for me, O love of God, so great so free! O wondrous love, I’ll shout and sing, He died for me, my Lord and King!”

As we ponder the thoughts shared in the following pages, focusing on the Lord Jesus Christ, may we have the underlying realization that what He went through was for each one of us. What sadness it could bring out from us as we are reminded of His pain and suffering. We may have a sense of relief as we remember His work on the cross is done – fully completed. There is truly a great hope before us as we anticipate the moment when we who are believers will see Him and be with Him. Oh, too, the joy when the Son of Man will take His glorious throne!

The Lord Jesus has risen from the tomb and He is alive, exalted at the right hand of God. People in the professing Church are reminded of this fact during Easter celebrations. However, this should not be just a once-a-year recognition. The believer’s peace and joy – every single day – is entirely based on the Lord’s death and resurrection. Let us keep this in mind as we move on in this world, being occupied with our Lord and Savior until He comes for each one of us who have put our trust in Him. Dear reader, do you trust in the Lord Jesus Christ?

By Paul Alberts