Scripture for Today: I Peter 2:24 “Who Himself bore our sins in His own body on the tree, that we, having died to sins, might live for righteousness – by whose stripes you were healed.”

Is the zebra an animal wearing a white coat with black stripes?  Or is he an animal with a black coat striped white?  Does it matter?  All I can see are their remarkable stripes!  They are wonderful protection as it can be difficult for a predator to single out from a herd just one zebra to chase.  The zebras know to stay together against their common enemy.  There is strength and security in their unity.

Today’s verse talks about stripes that offer healing.  These stripes are much more remarkable but are anything but beautiful (Isaiah 53:2).  The stripes are the wounds Jesus suffered for our sake.  Before being put on that tree or cross,  He was beaten.  Those stripes made it possible for us to die to sin and live for righteousness.  Before Jesus took our punishment, we were soul-sick from our sin and in dire need of healing.  He accomplished by His sacrifice a healing that gives us a hope and a future!

His healing of my soul means that I am no longer powerless against the enemy of sin.  Not only am I spared the righteous judgement my sin deserves, but I am also freed from sin’s hold on me!  Because of His healing stripes, I can live a life that is righteous and pleasing to Him.  Included in that healing is the opportunity to find unity with those of a different stripe. Together in the body of Christ, we can encourage one another to stand against our common enemy.

Thank you Lord, for healing my soul.