But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was on him, and by his wounds we are healed. Isaiah 53, verse 5

Dear Readers,

Injustice shall be punished. Those who do wrong to their fellow human beings, will have to face responsibility. Everywhere in this world, people live by this standard. And even in world politics this standard applies. Some time ago, former president Trump was held responsible for the storming of the Capitol Building and the Congress in Washington DC. However, the impeachment proved to be unsuccessful. Many senators saw no reason for punishment. The majority of his own party acquitted him. - In the EU, the president of the European Commission was blamed for the lack of available vaccines against the Corona virus in the EU. Politicians called for her resignation. Ms. von der Leyen apologized for mistakes she had made, but she did not resign. - Russian dissident Nawalny was poisoned and blames the Kremlin for it. But the Russian government denies all accusations and sentenced him to prison. The European Court of Human Rights has called on Russia to immediately release the opposition leader Navalny. To no avail.

People argue about what is right and what is wrong. The final decision must often be made by the judiciary. Independent and incorruptible judges should decide whether to convict or acquit. 

The Bible tells me that God is also a just judge, not just a loving Father. David recognizes this in Psalm 7:9: Bring to an end the violence of the wicked and make the righteous secure— you, the righteous God who probes minds and hearts.

In the New Testament I am clearly told that every human being has to be responsible to God, the judge, after his death as well (Hebr. 9, 27 - 28): Just as people are destined to die once, and after that to face judgment, so Christ was sacrificed once to take away the sins of many; and he will appear a second time, not to bear sin, but to bring salvation to those who are waiting for him.

The punishment is on him, on the Lord Jesus Christ, so that we can have peace with God and with other people. We Christians see this word, which Isaiah proclaimed, fulfilled through Jesus Christ. The punishment is on him, the Son of God. All the wrongdoings that accumulate in a person's life are atoned for through his death. Jesus Christ died on Calvary to free many people from the burden of their sins. He takes the responsibility.

It represents many and it is to those who have a "yes" to the atoning death of Jesus. Those who reject this will have to answer for themselves one day.

Sin separates us from the holy God. But God is not only a just judge, he is also merciful (Proverbs 28:13): Whoever conceals their sins does not prosper, but the one who confesses and renounces them finds mercy.

God is merciful because he loves us human beings. He wants us to live in peace with Him. God wants us to live in peace with each other. He has done everything for that (John 3, 16): For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.

I wish you a blessed Passion time and this peace of God (Phil. 4, 7): And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.