The Wonder of Substitution

Isaiah 53:6

"All of us like sheep have gone astray,/ Each of us has turned to his own way;/ But the Lord has caused the iniquity of us all/ To fall on Him."

The word "but" in this verse is of utmost significance. It highlights the unusual character of what the Lord has done. The servant who "will be high and lifted up and greatly exalted" is bearing the weight of our iniquity. Though we have gone astray, Christ bore our iniquity. It is not a reasonable or logical conclusion. It is something that is unexpected. It is such a surprising turn that leaves us speechless. Once we start to take substitution as a matter of fact or consider forgiveness a right rather than a gift, we lose the wonder of substitution. Try replacing "but" with "and" for instance; it removes all the glory of the substitutionary atonement. When we hear the word "but," we must stand in amazement that the Holy One crushed His Son in our place. May we never lose the wonder. Stay strong and God bless!