THE ELDER BROTHER

In 2 Corinthians 5:21, we read: “For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.”

His baby brother was in jail again. After their parents died, Elder took responsibility for raising Younger. At first the pranks seemed harmless.

Then the pranks escalated. Into serious allegations. Each time, Elder would step in. Younger promised never to do such a thing again. After a time, the cycle would begin anew.

One night Younger took part in a robbery, killing a person.  Older had promised he would take care of Younger. He had to think of something.

At the trial, the younger brother’s verdict--guilty. The sentence--to be hung by the neck until dead. A life for a life the judge had pronounced.

The guilty one was brought to the gallows, a hood over his head. He walked up the steps, offered no words of regret, simply stood there. The trap opened, he fell, his death quick. Justice was served.

But just then, Younger ran out. “I’m the guilty one,” he shouted. “Not Elder.”
When the hood was lifted, it was the face of Elder. The innocent one took the place of the guilty one. Younger fell to his knees. “It should have been me. Take me, I’m guilty.”

“You’re free to go,” the judge announced. “The penalty of death has been paid.”

Not an easy concept to believe, many have rejected the belief the Lord Jesus took our place, my place. He dressed in the robe of human flesh for all to see. He wore it through rejection and pain and death, but He continues to love us with an everlasting love. With the hood of death removed, He rose again and has promised that whosoever shall call on His Name will be saved.

Kingdom thinking. If you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus Christ and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be a part of His Kingdom. He is waiting for you. Won’t you choose Him?