The Replacement
Genesis 22:13-14
I. The Replacement for our Punishment
“But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed.”
Isa. 53:5
We deserved nothing short of death for our sin.
Heb. 9:22 reminds us that without the shedding of blood, there is not remission.
“And almost all things are by the law purged with blood; and without shedding of blood is no remission.” Heb. 9:22
I have good news though - He is not still dead! “He is not here: for he is risen, as he said. Come, see the place where the Lord lay.” Mt. 28:6
The prophet Isaiah prophesied He would be just like a sheep led to the slaughter in 53:7 “He was oppressed, and he was afflicted, yet he opened not his mouth: he is brought as a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before her shearers is dumb, so he openeth not his mouth.”
II. The Replacement for our Sin
“The next day John seeth Jesus coming unto him, and saith, Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world.”
Jn. 1:29
Peter reminds us that he took our sins upon himself.
“Who his own self bare our sins in his own body on the tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness: by whose stripes ye were healed.” I Peter 2:24
Isaiah prophesied that he would take our sins upon himself when he said and again “...when thou shalt make his soul an offering for sin,... Isa. 53:10.
III. He is the Replacement for our Grief, Fear & Worry
Isaiah 53:4 states He took them upon Himself. “Surely, he hath born our griefs, and carried our sorrows…”
Peter reminds us to “Casting all your care upon him, for He careth for you.” I Pet. 5:7
Jesus instructs us to take His yoke upon us to find rest for our souls in Mt. 11:29 “Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls.”
Isaiah again presented us with a word from God in 41:10 “Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.”
Paul writing to the church at Corinth about a situation he was dealing with reminds us “And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness… 2 Cor. 12:9”
Jesus wants us to live a life of peace. He promised us His peace in John 14:27 “Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.”
Let Christ be the replacement for the things in this life that are pulling you down. If it is sin, let him take those upon Himself and nail them to the cross. If it is worry, fear, grief, dread - let him carry those for you so you can walk in peace. He is the ultimate replacement for all things. Start this year off by allowing Christ to be the replacement for everything you have need of.
