Jentezen Franklin Daily Devotional (August 23, 2025) The Final Say of the Man in Stripes.
“But He was pierced for our transgressions, He was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was on Him, and by His wounds we are healed.” Isaiah 53:5 (NIV)
You might think your past defines you. Maybe you feel stuck under the weight of family mistakes, bad choices, or a reputation that’s hard to shake. But let me remind you of Rahab. Rahab was a woman with a scarred past who made a powerful choice. She could have asked for riches or status, but instead she asked one thing: “Save my whole family.” Rahab knew the blood of Jesus could erase the stigma of her past and cover her family with mercy.
The blood of Jesus changes everything.
No matter what you or your family have been through, whether it was abuse, brokenness, or dysfunction, Jesus makes your house holy when you apply His blood. Rahab’s family went from being outcasts to being in the genealogy of Jesus Himself. Her great, great grandson was King David, and his great, great granddaughter was Mary, who gave birth to Jesus. Jesus’ blood canceled the curse and started the blessing.
God uses broken people. Peter was a liar and a denier, yet he became the voice of Pentecost. Moses was a murderer and a coward, but God made him a deliverer. Abraham lied and stumbled in faith, but he became the father of many nations. Even the demon-possessed man of Gerasenes was transformed and became a missionary of mercy. David, an impulsive man who committed adultery and murder, was called a man after God’s own heart.
What does this mean for you? The only opinion that really matters about your life is the one from the man in stripes - Jesus. You may have critics, people who try to define you by your past or mistakes. But the final call on your life comes from Jesus. The stripes He bore on His back are your healing and your hope.
No matter what your life looks like right now, Jesus’ blood says, “You are forgiven, chosen, and called.” Trust Him, and let Him have the final say.
Prayer: Lord Jesus, thank you for shedding your blood to heal my past and define my future. Help me to live free from the opinions of others and to walk boldly in the calling you have for me. Thank you for your mercy that covers all my mistakes. In your name, Amen.
