Isaiah 53: 5 -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.
The Whipping Boy is a children's story by Sid Fleischman about a young spoiled Prince. He is always into something worthy of a whipping. But because he is the crown Prince no one can lay a hand on him. Instead another young boy is taken from the streets and beaten in his place. It almost sounds too ludicrous to be believable but history is full of such idiosyncrasies. Such things are known to have happened in times past.
The Bible tells us about another Prince. This Prince, though not guilty of any wrong doing, took the punishment for the pauper. It is the exact opposite of Fleischman's story. You and I were worthy of death because of sin. But God in his mercy provided a sacrificial substitute. Jesus Christ, the Crown Prince of heaven, suffered and died in our place so that we could be spared the pain, suffering, and mental anguish associated with our guilt.
Not only does Jesus blood wash away our sins, but it makes provision for the healing of our bodies, minds and spirits as well. If you need something from God, the blood of Jesus makes it possible. You need never fear being rejected because of past failure or feelings of unworthiness. If there is sin in your life, you can confess it and God will wash it away. If you need healing, you can claim the promises of Isaiah 53.
At the end of Fleischman's story the "whipping boy" is elevated to the status of a Prince and lives in equality with the king's own son. In the same way, we have been adopted into the family of God and make sons and daughters of the king. We are paupers no more. Jesus bought our freedom - enjoy the benefits.
