Isaiah 35: Redeeming our Suffering
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But he was wounded for our transgressions, crushed for our iniquities; upon him was the punishment that made us whole, and by his bruises we are healed.
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Hundreds of years before Christ, Isaiah prophesied the Savior would redeem our suffering.
For Indians, this is more than pretty words.
Consider the story of Tsali, a Cherokee chief. When federal troops came to drive the people from the mountains of North Carolina some tried to avoid the trail of tears. They went deep into the mountains and let the terrain hide them.
Tsali and his family were apprehended and were being led to a holding area. When his wife needed to stop to tend to the needs of their baby, there was a scuffle. The baby was killed and Tsali’s wife was wounded. In retaliation he and his family killed the soldiers, then fled into the hills.
A period of bitter stalemate followed. At last Tsali and his sons negotiated a settlement. They would sacrifice themselves so the soldiers could save face. In return the government would withdraw from Cherokee land.
At the appointed hour Tsali and his sons came forward to freely give their lives.
Tsali was a real person and his sacrifice was real, but it took on a mythic stature. You see, Tsali is short for “Tsalagi.” In English, you know that word as “Cherokee.” So Tsali became the savior of the eastern band of the Cherokee, but he also came to embody the spirit of the Cherokee people. His sacrifice made the people whole and set them free.
Tsali is the Cherokee example of God’s sacrificial love in action, but every Native group has similar stories. We do not have time today to talk about Deganawidah, Tecumseh, Pontiac, Crazy Horse, Black Kettle, Wovoka, or Leonard Peltier. Suffice to say that there are countless stories of Native people who laid down their lives that others might have life.
Here’s the thing: God does not call all of us to lay down our lives in a spectacular way. However, we are all called to follow the path of sacrifice that others might be free. God who redeems us also redeems our tears.
All people of every nation are here today because of the sacrifice of those who came before us. Our lives are proof they did not sacrifice in vain.
God still redeems our tears and suffering so others can be free.
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O Lord, I have been bruised and battered by the world.
Redeem my suffering so seven generations can be free.