“We all, like sheep, have gone astray, each of us has turned to his own way; and the LORD has laid on him the iniquity of us all.”
Isaiah 53:6
He was so vulnerable in the middle of the road by himself. I gently picked up the turtle, but he struggled in my grip to get away. “Where are you going?” I asked the little fellow. It seemed to me he was headed away from the pond, where he should be. I turned him back toward safety, but when I walked by later in the day, there he was again, going in the wrong direction!
How like the human heart—determined to have its own way, choosing a path that can lead to destruction. Rebellion seems to come naturally, though often it’s lifted high in the name of free choice.
King David made those choices when he brought Bathsheba to his bed and later had her husband killed to cover his sin of adultery (see 2 Samuel 11). Through the mercy of God, David came to repentance. His contrite words recorded in Psalm 51 have encouraged us all when we’ve sinned.
Looking forward to the atonement of Jesus, Isaiah prophesied that our iniquity would be laid on Him, bringing forgiveness, healing, and peace. Wayward hearts can be restored and turned homeward toward the Savior.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Yvonne C. Swope
Yvonne Swope finds joy in writing and is pleased to contribute to Anchor for the fifth time. She grew up in Pennsylvania, the youngest of five girls, and came to know the Lord as a child. She has been delighted ever since to see His plans for her life unfold. She enjoys having meaningful interaction with others—whether in her counseling practice or just in day-to-day relationships. Her life is enriched by her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Yvonne lives in Colonial Williamsburg with her husband and their two cats.
How like the human heart—determined to have its own way, choosing a path that can lead to destruction. Rebellion seems to come naturally, though often it’s lifted high in the name of free choice.
King David made those choices when he brought Bathsheba to his bed and later had her husband killed to cover his sin of adultery (see 2 Samuel 11). Through the mercy of God, David came to repentance. His contrite words recorded in Psalm 51 have encouraged us all when we’ve sinned.
Looking forward to the atonement of Jesus, Isaiah prophesied that our iniquity would be laid on Him, bringing forgiveness, healing, and peace. Wayward hearts can be restored and turned homeward toward the Savior.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Yvonne C. Swope
Yvonne Swope finds joy in writing and is pleased to contribute to Anchor for the fifth time. She grew up in Pennsylvania, the youngest of five girls, and came to know the Lord as a child. She has been delighted ever since to see His plans for her life unfold. She enjoys having meaningful interaction with others—whether in her counseling practice or just in day-to-day relationships. Her life is enriched by her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Yvonne lives in Colonial Williamsburg with her husband and their two cats.
Scripture Focus
Isaiah 53:4-6
Insight
“He who conceals his sins does not prosper, but whoever confesses and renounces them finds mercy.” (Proverbs 28:13)
Bible In A Year
- 1 Kings 4-5
- Proverbs 1
- Titus 1-3
