But He was pierced because of our transgressions,
crushed because of our iniquities.
The chastisement for our shalom was upon Him,
and by His stripes we are healed. Isaiah 53:5, TLV

What can we say about this passage, except, “Thank You!”?

It’s no coincidence that today is Erev Shabbat. At sundown the Sabbath rest will begin because God rest from His work creating the world.

Each week not only do we celebrate God’s creation of the world and His appointed time to rest, but we are reminded of our rest from working for redemption.

In the letter to the Jewish believers, the writer of Hebrews speaks eloquently of entering our rest from working for our own salvation.

“For the one who has entered God’s rest has also ceased from his own work, just as God did from His.” Hebrews 4:10, TLV

As we prepare to celebrate our rest, may we remember Isaiah 53, and all that our Messiah accomplished on our behalf — for our shalom.

Shabbat shalom.