By Who hath believed our report? and to whom is the arm of the Lord revealed? (Isaiah 53:1)
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 (Isaiah 53:5).
“Who has believed our report?” Think about reports. They can be good; they can be bad. We would rather not receive bad reports- but they do happen.
For example, if an accountant gives a businessman a financial report that shows the bottom line in the red- that is not good. The same can be said when the lab report indicates a physical problem. This next example is less severe, but did you ever have a report card that was a bad report? I certainly did at times.
“Who has believed our report?” In scripture, Isaiah was speaking of the best report of all. It was the report of God revealing His arm of salvation to a world desperate to experience the love of God. Isaiah 59:16 says, “And he saw that there was no man, and wondered that there was no intercessor: therefore his arm brought salvation unto him; and his righteousness, it sustained him.”
When no one else could help mankind- God reached out. When no one else would help mankind- God reached out. Isaiah certainly gave a good report for his generation and for our generation. His writings are filled with good news.
The report given in Isaiah 53:5 is absolutely amazing! He was wounded for our transgressions and bruised for our iniquities- He paid the price for our sins and took care of our spiritual condition. The chastisement of our peace was upon Him- He made a way for us to have peace with God and peace in our own lives.
Then this verse says with His stripes we are healed- He provides healing spiritually, physically, mentally and emotionally. In Philippians 4:19, the Apostle Paul said, “But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.” The report covers everything we need. It is the best report of all.
Proverbs 15:30 says, “The light of the eyes rejoices the heart, And a good report makes the bones healthy.” Surely our eyes can see that we have been given a good report. It is up to us to believe it. I choose to believe it! My prayer is that you will believe it also.
Dave Snyder is an Ordained Bishop with the Church of God – Cleveland, Tennessee. Before entering the ministry on a full-time basis, he was a school teacher. He also coached middle school basketball for eight years.
Dave and his wife, Sara, have two children — Craig and Karen. They also have one ten year old granddaughter — Breanna.
Dave and Sara pastored in West Virginia for thirty-six years. Sara is now retired from the banking industry, and Dave is retired from pastoring. However, Dave currently serves as prison Chaplain for the West Virginia Division of Corrections and Rehabilitation.
Writing essays, articles, and devotionals is a real passion for Dave. He also enjoys playing musical instruments and singing.
by leaps and bounds 