ISAIAH 53 SERIES: Peace Treaty with God
ISAIAH 53:5 | #Isaiah53
PERSON IN THE CONGREGATION READS ISAIAH 53
READ ISAIAH 53:1-12 (ESV)
“Who has believed what he has heard from us? And to whom has the arm of the Lord been revealed? 2 For He grew up before Him like a young plant, and like a root out of dry ground; He had no form or majesty that we should look at Him, and no beauty that we should desire Him. 3 He was despised and rejected by men, a Man of Sorrows and acquainted with grief; and as One from Whom men hide their faces He was despised, and we esteemed Him not. 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. 6 All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned—every one—to his own way; and the Lord has laid on a Him the iniquity of us all. 7 He was oppressed, and He was afflicted, yet He opened not His mouth; like a lamb that is led to the slaughter, and like a sheep that before its shearers is silent, so He opened not His mouth. 8 By oppression and judgment He was taken away; and as for His generation, who considered that He was cut off out of the land of the living, stricken for the transgression of my people? 9 And they made His grave with the wicked and with a rich man in His death, although He had done no violence, and there was no deceit in His mouth. 10 Yet it was the will of the Lord to crush Him; He has put Him to grief; when His soul makes an offering for guilt, He shall see His offspring; He shall prolong his days; the will of the Lord shall prosper in His hand. 11 Out of the anguish of his soul he shall see and be satisfied; by His knowledge shall the Righteous One, My Servant, make many to be accounted righteous, and He shall bear their iniquities. 12 Therefore I will divide Him a portion with the many, and He shall divide the spoil with the strong, because He poured out His soul to death and was numbered with the transgressors; yet He bore the sin of many, and makes intercession for the transgressors.”
PEACE TREATIES
I was watching the news the other day and the correspondents were highlighting the war between Ukraine and Russia. They showed video of destroyed bridges and some apartments that looked to have been hit by rockets. I am sure they could have easily focused on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict or the civil war in Myanmar, Lybia, or Sudan. When these wars come to an end of the fighting, the groups may gather and agree on peace. Usually a peace treaty is signed.
A peace treaty is a formal agreement between conflicting parties to end hostilities and establish terms for a lasting peace. The structure and content of a peace treaty can vary depending on the nature of the conflict, the parties involved, and the goals of the agreement. However, most peace treaties include several key components to help ensure that the peace treaty addresses the core issues of the conflict and provides a framework for a stable and lasting resolution.
Normal components are: Terms of Peace, Territorial Adjustments, Political Arrangements, Economic Provisions, Verification and Implementation, Duration and Review, Signatories and Ratification. I know that sounds like a lot and most peace treaties have many more sections like: Rights and Responsibilities, Dispute Resolution, and Inspections, but for the sake of understandability, we will skip for today. Each component is to ensure that the peace is lasting. It does not help if peace is agreed upon, but then no one follows up with it. Peace treaties are important. Peace, lasting peace, can be achieved. We know this is true from real life, movies, and TV shows:
* In “The Man Who Would Be King” (1975), we have a story involving two British adventurers who become kings in a remote part of Afghanistan and negotiate a treaty to secure their positions.
* In “Star Trek VI: The Undiscovered Country” (1991), the backdrop of the whole movie is the events surrounding the Khitomer Accords which brokers peace between the United Federation of Planets and the Klingon Empire.
* In “Mighty Morphin' Power Rangers” (1994), Jason, Zack, and Trini were written out of the show by being sent to a Teen Peace Summit.
* In "Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace" (1999), the Treaty of Coruscant is central to the film’s plot. The Galactic Republic attempted to negotiate peace with the Trade Federation to end the blockade of Naboo, though the treaty’s failure leads to further conflict.
* In "The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King" (2003), the film culminates in a crucial moment of peace. After the defeat of Sauron, the leaders of Middle-earth come together in a new era of peace and unity, symbolized by the crowning of Aragorn as king.
* The final season of the TV show “24” (2010) revolves around a UN-sponsored peace conference to end Kamistan's nuclear weapons program.
We know that peace treaties are important.
Peace is important.
SERIES REMINDER
We are currently in a sermon series focusing on Isaiah 53. Isaiah 52-53 focus on Someone called “the Suffering Servant” and based on normal interpretation of this passage; we see this Person being Jesus Christ. Isaiah 53 records for us a dynamic and important prophecy of prediction about Jesus and what He would do and endure. We should not overlook that 700 years before Jesus was born, lived, ministered, and died; a prophet of God looked forward inspired by the Holy Spirit and predicted some of what He would accomplish. This is amazing!
Isaiah is counted in the Major Prophets of the Old Testament with 66 chapters. We are just looking at chapter 53. Chapter 53 has solid teaching, reproof, correction, and training in righteousness (2 Timothy 3:16) because Isaiah 53 is God’s Word. Let’s look further into Isaiah 53 today as we focus on verse 5.
RE-READ ISAIAH 53:5 (ESV)
“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.”
VERSE 5: PEACE
Verse 5 along with all of the verses before it from 52:13, shares with us about the impact that this “Suffering Servant” would have on our world. The words “pierced” and “crushed” and “chastisement” and “wounds” lets us in on the fact that what He would do is quite significant and quite difficult. The significance of what He would do is summarized in verse 5 by the word “peace.” The word “peace” there means “safety,” “wellness,” “wholeness,” favor and health,” as well as “prosperity.” The words “pierced” and “crushed” and “chastisement” and “wounds” are associated with the Suffering Servant lead to “peace.” It sounds like to me that this peace was hard fought and worth keeping.
The peace that is described is not peace between warring parties of people, but rather peace between the God of the Universe and His creation. Verse 5 mentions “transgressions” and “iniquities” that are a barrier to our relationship with God. You can summarize those words with another word: “sin.” Sin creates a broken relationship between our Holy God and sinful human beings. We are on opposite sides. Isaiah 53 predicts that this Suffering Servant would bring peace between God and His Creation.
What led to the peace described in this verse?
What are the terms of peace?
How do we keep peace with God?
TRANSITION
RE-READ ISAIAH 53:5 (ESV)
“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.”
PEACE TREATY WITH GOD
In order to understand this peace that we have or CAN HAVE with God, we will take a look at the peace established by Jesus Christ through the lens of human peace treaties. It is not an exact match, but thinking about our relationship with God in terms of a peace treaty should give us some insight and definitely help us appreciate Jesus Christ all the more. In addition, it is my hope that looking at the Gospel in this way might help you if you have been resistant to accepting Jesus in the past.
TERMS OF PEACE
A peace treaty begins with “Terms of Peace.” These are specific agreements on how to end the conflict including ceasefires, withdrawals of troops and armaments, and even disarmament of some groups to limit military capabilities. For our Peace Treaty with God, the “Terms of Peace” are that human beings will be justified by faith in Jesus Christ which creates peace. The record of debt of sin is conquered by Jesus Christ and the enemies of humanity… evil, death, and Satan… are disarmed. Colossians 2 says…
READ COLOSSIANS 2:13-15 (ESV)
“And you, who were dead in your trespasses and the uncircumcision of your flesh, God made alive together with Him, having forgiven us all our trespasses, 14 by canceling the record of debt that stood against us with its legal demands. This He set aside, nailing it to the cross. 15 He disarmed the rulers and authorities and put them to open shame, by triumphing over them in Him.”
The Apostle Paul and the prophet Isaiah agree that terms of peace were only reached after Jesus was nailed to the cross being pierced for us. Jesus wins the victory once and for all and secures peace for us.
TERRITORIAL ADJUSTMENTS
Usually, there are “Territory Adjustments” in a treaty as well. “Territorial Adjustments” are agreements on changes to borders or control of territories, including the resolution of disputes over land and resources. For our Peace Treaty with God, the “Territory Adjustments” actually happen on several different fronts. One area of adjustment is personal and the other area of adjustment is in our world.
First, there is a “Territory Adjustment” inside us. When a person accepts Jesus Christ as Lord and peace is established between them and God, God sends His Holy Spirit to permanently live within that person and claims them as His. They become a citizen of Heaven. They become an adopted child of God. In the spiritual battle over Creation, God takes back the ground once claimed by sin and does not give it up. Every single soul that accepts Jesus Christ as Lord is covered by the blood of Jesus and becomes part of His Kingdom. 2 Corinthians 6 says…
READ 1 CORINTHIANS 6:19-20 (ESV)
“Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God? You are not your own, 20 for you were bought with a price. So glorify God in your body.”
Secondly, another “Territory Adjustment” happens when Jesus Christ returns. All of Creation will be renewed and belongs to God. He will then give it to us for our enjoyment. This will be a permanent adjustment. Life as we know it will fundamentally change. Revelation 21 describes this permanent state of peace that will exist after this future permanent adjustment…
READ REVELATION 21:1-4 (ESV)
“Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and the sea was no more. 2 And I saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. 3 And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, “Behold, the dwelling place of God is with man. He will dwell with them, and they will be His people, and God Himself will be with them as their God. 4 He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away.”
POLITICAL ARRANGEMENTS
“Political Arrangements” are also part of a peace treaty. Arrangements have to be made how people will act and by what authority they will be governed. “Political Arrangements” are related to the governance of affected areas, including provisions for local government and plans for political and administrative reconstruction in post-conflict regions. For our Peace Treaty with God, the “Political Arrangements” are all set up by Jesus Christ, the Son of God. Jesus is the ultimate authority and has given us the Church to advance His Kingdom and to spread the word about His ultimate victory. Communication and management of His Kingdom has been given to followers of Christ and the collectives of followers of Christ called the Church. Matthew 28 says…
READ MATTHEW 28:18-20 (ESV)
“And Jesus came and said to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to Me. 19 Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”
In a similar passage in Acts 1 Jesus also says…
READ ACTS 1:7-8 (ESV)
“He said to them, “It is not for you to know times or seasons that the Father has fixed by His own authority. 8 But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be My witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.”
ECONOMIC PROVISIONS
The “Political Arrangements” have been made and solidified by Jesus and explained to all who follow Him. Another part of treaties is “Economic Provisions” which means agreements on economic cooperation, reparations, or reconstruction aid. This might include financial compensation, trade agreements, or support for rebuilding buildings and roads because of the war. For our Peace Treaty with God, the “Economic Provisions” are all setup and funded by Jesus Christ. We have nothing to offer. We have nothing God wants or needs. We can’t fix or rebuild anything torn down by sin. Make no mistake, this peace treaty with God is lopsided graciously in our favor and God gets the raw end of the deal. Jesus provides all “political arrangements” for salvation, forgiveness, grace, justification, and sanctification. Ephesians 2 tells us…
READ EPHESIANS 2:4-10 (ESV)
“But God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which He loved us, 5 even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ—by grace you have been saved— 6 and raised us up with Him and seated us with Him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, 7 so that in the coming ages He might show the immeasurable riches of His grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus. 8 For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, 9 not a result of works, so that no one may boast. 10 For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.”
VERIFICATION AND IMPLEMENTATION
Any good peace treaty will have some kind of mechanism or agreement about “Verification and Implementation.” “Verification and Implementation” means ways of monitoring and ensuring compliance with the treaty’s terms, including inspections to verify compliance or even the establishment of committees to oversee the implementation of the treaty. For our Peace Treaty with God, the “Verification and Implementation” is set up via accepting Jesus Christ by way of faith and baptism as well as the presence of the Holy Spirit… Who is a committee of One. Entering into God’s Kingdom and participating in the peace treaty means we are born again (John 3) and we declare our allegiance to God through His Son by way of the Holy Spirit. The act of submitting to baptism is the assurance that we are saved. The presence of the Holy Spirit is the Watcher over us to make sure the peace treaty is followed by the Enemy. Acts 2 and Hebrews 10 tells us…
READ ACTS 2:36-39 (ESV)
“Let all the house of Israel therefore know for certain that God has made Him both Lord and Christ, this Jesus Whom you crucified.” 37 Now when they heard this they were cut to the heart, and said to Peter and the rest of the apostles, “Brothers, what shall we do?” 38 And Peter said to them, “Repent and be baptized every one of you in the Name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. 39 For the promise is for you and for your children and for all who are far off, everyone whom the Lord our God calls to Himself.”
READ HEBREWS 10:19-23 (ESV)
“Therefore, brothers, since we have confidence to enter the holy places by the blood of Jesus, 20 by the new and living way that He opened for us through the curtain, that is, through His flesh, 21 and since we have a great priest over the house of God, 22 let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, with our hearts sprinkled clean from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water. 23 Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful.”
You can know you have been saved and are part of the peace treaty with God and a citizen of the Kingdom of Heaven if you have been baptized into Christ and you have the presence of the Holy Spirit. This is the implementation and verification of the peace treaty with God.
DURATION AND REVIEW
“Duration and Review” is another important part of a peace treaty because the agreement is between people who want peace and want issues settled. “Duration and Review” usually means specifying the duration of the treaty and provisions for reviewing or amending it if necessary. For our Peace Treaty with God, the “Duration and Review” is set by God Almighty as the One Who is setting up the peace treaty in the first place. We didn’t even know we needed a peace treaty so He dictates terms to us. Fortunately, the eternal, gracious, compassionate, just God has decided that the peace treaty lasts forever. We have no concept of forever, but He does. He occupies forever all by Himself. “Duration and Review” begins at Judgment Day when all people will stand before God. Revelation 20 says…
READ REVELATION 20:11-15 (ESV)
“Then I saw a great white throne and Him who was seated on it. From His presence earth and sky fled away, and no place was found for them. 12 And I saw the dead, great and small, standing before the throne, and books were opened. Then another book was opened, which is the book of life. And the dead were judged by what was written in the books, according to what they had done. 13 And the sea gave up the dead who were in it, Death and Hades gave up the dead who were in them, and they were judged, each one of them, according to what they had done. 14 Then Death and Hades were thrown into the lake of fire. This is the second death, the lake of fire. 15 And if anyone's name was not found written in the book of life, he was thrown into the lake of fire.”
Revelation 20 is followed by Revelation 21 in which the “old order of things have passed away” (21:4) and existence for those in Christ means in the presence with God forever. Revelation 21 continues…
READ REVELATION 21:5-7 (ESV)
“And He who was seated on the throne said, “Behold, I am making all things new.” Also He said, “Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true.” 6 And He said to me, “It is done! I am the Alpha and the Omega, the beginning and the end. To the thirsty I will give from the spring of the water of life without payment. 7 The one who conquers will have this heritage, and I will be his God and he will be My son.”
SIGNATORIES AND RATIFICATION
One of the last sections in most peace treaties is the “Signatories and Ratification” section. “Signatories and Ratification” details the parties agreeing to the treaty and the process for formally adoption of the treaty by the parties involved. For our Peace Treaty with God, the “Signatories and Ratification” is open to any human being. Any person breathing has the opportunity to enter into a peace treaty with the Almighty Holy God. God has signed and sealed His part of the peace by offering His Son’s life as payment and the presence of His Holy Spirit as assurance that He will keep His end of the treaty. We enter into the peace treaty by believing in Jesus, being baptized into Him, and then living a Spirit-filled life. Romans 5 says…
READ ROMANS 5:1 (ESV)
“Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.”
You see, the only way to enter into an agreement of peace with God is by way of His Son Jesus Christ (John 14:6, Acts 4:12). Jesus is at the same time the One Who initiates the peace treaty with God and the only One that makes it possible. The blood of Jesus ratifies the treaty and His resurrection is the only signature that matters. God will not broker peace with any human being apart from Jesus Christ. Jesus is it. If one wants peace with God by being justified from sin, then one must believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God and that He died for you. That is the term of peace.
RE-READ ISAIAH 53:5 (ESV)
“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.”
APPLICATION / CONCLUSION / INVITATION
If you are a believer hearing me this morning, I would like you to ask yourself the questions: How well am I doing holding up my end of the peace treaty with God? Am I being faithful? Am I trusting in Jesus? Am I listening to the promptings of the Holy Spirit? Am I dedicated to discipleship and growing in my relationship with God as a child in the Kingdom of God? Only you can answer the questions about how you are living at peace with God.
If you are not a believer hearing me this morning, I would like you to ask yourself the question: What is stopping me from making peace with God? The offer for peace has been around 2000 years and will continue to be offered to you until you die or Jesus returns again… whichever comes first. What is stopping me from making peace with God?
PRAYER
