Today's Lectionary TextIsaiah 53:4-12It was certainly our sickness that he carried, He was oppressed and tormented, Due to an unjust ruling he was taken away, But the Lord wanted to crush him ![]() Today's DevotionalThe suffering servant bore the punishment that made ME whole; by His wounds I am healed. There are several things about that one part of the verse that makes my soul stir and uneasy, then finally at ease. I visibly see the raw, open, bleeding wounds. I want to turn away, yet my gaze is still – eyes wide open and fixed upon the wounds that I have caused. My eyes glace towards Your face, and all I see is compassion and love from my God, Savior and Friend. My eyes cannot remain looking at your eyes – the wounds pull me back into the deep night of the soul. Softy, I began to hear, “what wondrous love is this, o my soul, o my sou-l, what wondrous love is this, o my soul! What wondrous love is this that caused the Lord of bliss to bear the dreadful curse for my soul, for my soul, to bear the dreadful curse for my soul.” (United Methodist Hymn #292) As I listen, my eyes are moved from the raw, bleeding wounds, to the empty grave. It is in that moment that I am healed and made whole. There is forgiveness and unconditional love, and my soul is calm and at peace. I hope you can change your focus from the wounds to the empty grave. -Rev. Hollie Tapley Prayer for ReflectionGod of wonder, You continually amaze us of Who You are! Forgive us for being focused on the wounds we have caused You. Forgive us for not looking at the empty grave and enjoying our healing. Today, stir the words within us, “what wondrous love is this, o my soul . . .” Amen.
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