July 28
Living in the Fullness of the Cross
Today’s Reading: Isaiah 53–56,
2 Peter 2

Scripture Focus:
“He was pierced for our rebellion, crushed for our sins. He was beaten so we could be whole. He was whipped so we could be healed… My righteous servant will make it possible for many to be counted righteous, for he will bear all their sins.” (Isaiah 53:5, 11 NLT)

“Come to me with your ears wide open. Listen, and you will find life… Seek the Lord while you can find him… You will live in joy and peace.” (Isaiah 55:3, 6, 12 NLT)

“It would be better if they had never known the way to righteousness than to know it and then reject the command… to live a holy life.” (2 Peter 2:21 NLT)


Reflection
My sisters, if you’re reading this devotion, it’s because you love the Lord. You’ve given your life to Jesus — as Romans tells us, “If you openly declare that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved.” When we received Him, the Holy Spirit came to live inside us, and with Him came every spiritual blessing in the heavenly realms (Ephesians 1:3).
These blessings are our inheritance because of Jesus — forgiveness, righteousness, peace, freedom from shame, and an unbreakable covenant of love. But here’s the question: Are we living in the fullness of those treasures? Do we truly know the riches we have in Christ? Or are we still living as if we are empty, striving for what has already been freely given?

What We Learn About Jesus in Isaiah 53

• He came in humility (Isaiah 53:2)
• He was despised and rejected (Isaiah 53:3)
• He carried our weaknesses and sorrows (Isaiah 53:4)
• He was pierced for our rebellion and crushed for our sins (Isaiah 53:5)
• His wounds bring us healing (Isaiah 53:5)
• He was silent in suffering (Isaiah 53:7)
• He was unjustly condemned and buried with the rich (Isaiah 53:8–9)
• His death was God’s plan for our salvation (Isaiah 53:10)
• He will see the fruit of His suffering (Isaiah 53:11)
• He now has the honor of a victorious king and intercedes for rebels (Isaiah 53:12)

The Gospel Message in Isaiah 53–56

• Isaiah 53 – The Cross: Jesus’ suffering and atonement for sin.
• Isaiah 54 – The Resurrection’s Impact: Freedom from shame, restored relationship, righteousness, and peace.
• Isaiah 55 – The Invitation: “Come… listen… seek the Lord.” Salvation is offered to all who turn to Him.
• Isaiah 56 – The Family of God: God’s covenant opens to all nations — the Gospel includes everyone who believes.

Blessings Promised in Isaiah 54 (Flowing from Jesus’ Sacrifice)

• Freedom from shame: “You will no longer live in shame… you will forget the shame of your youth” (v.4).
• Restored relationship with God: “For your Creator will be your husband… the Lord of Heaven’s Armies is His name!” (v.5).
• Everlasting compassion: “With everlasting love I will have compassion on you” (v.8).
• Peace with God: “My covenant of blessing will never be broken… you will have peace” (v.10).
• Protection from enemies: “No weapon turned against you will succeed” (v.17).
• Righteousness as a gift: “Their righteousness is from me, says the Lord” (v.17).
• Security and inheritance: “You will spread out to the right and to the left… 
• your descendants will occupy other nations” (v.3).

Lesson for Me
Isaiah doesn’t just tell us about Jesus’ suffering — it calls us to live in the reality of what His suffering accomplished. If He bore our shame, why do we still walk in it? If He gave us righteousness, why do we live defeated? We have been given everything we need for life and godliness. Now, we must live like children who know their Father’s treasure house is open to them.


Application

• Live like an heir, not an orphan. Remember who you are in Christ and walk in that identity.
• Seek Him daily. “Seek the Lord while He may be found” (Isaiah 55:6).
• Walk in holiness. Don’t return to the mud — live as one made righteous (2 Peter 2:21–22).
• Rest in His promises. “No weapon formed against you shall prosper” (Isaiah 54:17).
• Share the invitation. Just as Isaiah 55 calls, invite others to come and receive life in Jesus.

Prayer 🙏
Lord Jesus, thank You for carrying my sin, my shame, and my sorrow. Thank You for giving me peace, righteousness, and a covenant that cannot be broken. Help me to live like a true heir of Your promises — walking in the fullness of the blessings You purchased for me. Keep me close to You, holy in heart and bold in faith. And help me to share this good news with those who are still thirsty for life. In Your name, Amen.


Now sit quietly before the Lord. Listen for what He is speaking to you about the treasures you already have in Christ. Ask Him to show you where you are not living in the fullness of His blessings, and write down what He tells you.