Undeniable Stripes
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
Watching a program on African wildlife, I became more and more aware of the God given protection of the zebra. The stripes seem to confuse the predators when they are together in a herd. Separately though they are almost defenseless from the wild animals roaming the savage land. The document showed torn flesh and injured legs caused by the brutal attacks. When together in a herd, the stripes blended together causing confusion. Hard to define was where one zebra began and the other ended.
The herd of zebras brought to mind the church body being attacked by our greatest predator, Satan. The church body staying together will confuse even him. Satan does not like it when we band together in one accord. Branching off and splitting up causes us to be weak and easy for attack.
Stripes confused the enemies of the zebra. Imagine how the stripes Jesus bore on His body must have confused those who witnessed the miracles and healing power of Jesus. Most of all it boosted Satan’s false sense of pride. He proudly began to claim the victory his and thought he was the great conqueror over God’s eternal plan! Then came the resurrection of our Savior.
Has Satan confused your mind about the stripes that Christ bore? Has he tried to blend lies with the truth to where you cannot seem to define what is what? John 14:6 the Word reads, Jesus is the Truth. Remember sin sick soul, we are healed by His stripes.
As believers we know Him by His stripes. There should be no confusion!
