The Price of Peace: Why Surrender Is the Only Way
“But he was pierced for our transgressions; he was crushed for our iniquities; upon him was the chastisement that brought us peace, and with his wounds we are healed.” —Isaiah 53:5
We live in a world obsessed with deals. From business contracts to ceasefire agreements, negotiation feels like the path to peace. But Isaiah 53:5 shatters that illusion. When it comes to peace with God, there is no bargaining table. There is only surrender.
The Illusion of Negotiation
If we’re honest, most of us try to negotiate with God. We think, “If I live a good life, if I serve, if I give—surely God will cut me a break.” We cling to leverage like a soldier clutching his rifle after the war is over. The treaty is signed, the battle is done, but we won’t let go—because surrender feels risky.
But Isaiah says peace doesn’t come through leverage. It comes through a costly act of love: “He was pierced for our transgressions… crushed for our iniquities.” Jesus didn’t haggle for a better deal. He absorbed the full weight of our rebellion so that we could be free. The chastisement that brought us peace fell on Him. His wounds healed us.
The Painful Price
The language Isaiah uses is brutal: pierced, crushed, chastised. This isn’t poetic exaggeration—it’s the reality of the cross. Jesus endured nails through His hands and feet, a spear in His side, and lashes that tore His flesh. Why? Because sin isn’t a minor infraction; it’s cosmic treason. It fractures our relationship with God and demands justice.
John Oswalt writes, “Rebellion disrupts relationship and offends justice… only when justice is satisfied and authority acknowledged can true peace—shalom—be achieved.”[1] Jesus satisfied justice and acknowledged God’s authority—not by demanding payment from us, but by paying the price Himself. That’s grace. That’s the Gospel.
Why Do We Resist?
If peace is offered freely, why do we reject it? Isaiah gives the answer in the very next verse: “All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned—every one—to his own way.” (Isa 53:6) We want peace on our terms. We want forgiveness without obedience, blessings without surrender. But as long as we grip our weapons—pride, control, self-righteousness—the war continues.
Application: Lay Your Weapons Down
So let me ask: Why are you still fighting? Maybe you’re a Christian, but there are corners of your heart where you say, “God, can’t I just rule this one area?” That’s negotiation talk. And negotiation keeps us from peace.
Or maybe you’re exploring faith and wondering, “What does God want from me?” Here’s the answer: He wants your surrender. Not because He’s a tyrant, but because He’s a Savior. The war is over. The price is paid. Peace is yours—if you’ll lay down your weapons.
Picture this: Russia and Ukraine have been locked in a bitter war. Imagine a peace agreement offered—not because one side won, but because someone stepped in and paid the price to end the conflict. But peace can’t begin until both sides drop their guns. That’s where some of us are spiritually. The treaty is signed in Jesus’ blood, but we’re still clutching our pride and excuses.
Will You Surrender Today?
Isaiah 53:5 is the peace plan for the ages. Jesus was pierced so you could be forgiven, crushed so you could be healed, chastised so you could know peace. The question isn’t whether peace is available—it’s whether you’ll receive it.
So take a moment and pray:
Father, today I lay down my weapons. I confess that I’ve fought for control and tried to earn peace on my own. Thank You for sending Jesus, who was pierced for my transgressions and crushed for my iniquities. I surrender all to You. Amen.
Peace with God doesn’t come through negotiation—it comes through surrender. Will you surrender today?
Reading Plan This Week
- Day One: Isaiah 52
- Day Two: Isaiah 53
- Day Three: Isaiah 54
- Day Four: Isaiah 55
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[1] John N. Oswalt, The Book of Isaiah, Chapters 40–66, The New International Commentary on the Old Testament (Grand Rapids, MI: Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing Co., 1998), 388.
