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.”
“Impossible, Grandfather. Why would God do such a thing?”
“Well, Let me tell you what happened in our town a long time ago.
“Two brothers, Joseph and Jacob, lost their parents in an accident. Joseph, the older brother, felt the responsibility to take care of Jacob. No matter how hard he tried, Jacob rebelled. At first, it was mischievous acts. He would take someone’s homework, cheat on a test. But as he grew into manhood, he became violet. He was feared by all, except Joseph, who continued to love him.”
“Grandfather. Why was Jacob so mean? Joseph lost his parents, too.” Grandfather nodded.
“One night, a store was robbed, the owner murdered. Jacob didn’t try to hide. Even signed his name on the counter.”
“That was dumb. Why would he do that?”
“Timmy, we, humans, are known to do some really dumb things.”
“But that...”
Grandfather held up his hand. “Arrested and tried, he was found guilty and sentenced to hang. Joseph was crushed. He had tried everything he knew to help his brother.
“On the day of the execution, Jacob, head bent, a hooded cloak partially covering his face, was led to the gallows. ‘Any last words?’ the executioner said. He shook his head. The lever released, the trap door opened, Jacob jerked, was still.
“A man came running, yelling. “Don’t kill him. You have the wrong person. I’m the guilty one.” The hood was removed. Joseph took his brother’s place. Jacob sank to his knees, tears running down his face. “Why would he do such a thing? Now what am I to do?
An arm came around his shoulders. “Go and tell. About the love of your older brother. The Love of the real Older Brother, the Lord Jesus. How He took your place and set you free.”
“Did he, Grandfather? Did he go and tell?” Grandfather smiled, nodded.
“He led me to the Lord Jesus.”
Kingdom Thinking. The Lord Jesus loves me with an everlasting love. He took my place on the cross. I deserved to die, not Him. Not only did He set me free, but He promises never to leave nor forsake me. He offers the same to you. Won’t you cone?
“Impossible, Grandfather. Why would God do such a thing?”
“Well, Let me tell you what happened in our town a long time ago.
“Two brothers, Joseph and Jacob, lost their parents in an accident. Joseph, the older brother, felt the responsibility to take care of Jacob. No matter how hard he tried, Jacob rebelled. At first, it was mischievous acts. He would take someone’s homework, cheat on a test. But as he grew into manhood, he became violet. He was feared by all, except Joseph, who continued to love him.”
“Grandfather. Why was Jacob so mean? Joseph lost his parents, too.” Grandfather nodded.
“One night, a store was robbed, the owner murdered. Jacob didn’t try to hide. Even signed his name on the counter.”
“That was dumb. Why would he do that?”
“Timmy, we, humans, are known to do some really dumb things.”
“But that...”
Grandfather held up his hand. “Arrested and tried, he was found guilty and sentenced to hang. Joseph was crushed. He had tried everything he knew to help his brother.
“On the day of the execution, Jacob, head bent, a hooded cloak partially covering his face, was led to the gallows. ‘Any last words?’ the executioner said. He shook his head. The lever released, the trap door opened, Jacob jerked, was still.
An arm came around his shoulders. “Go and tell. About the love of your older brother. The Love of the real Older Brother, the Lord Jesus. How He took your place and set you free.”
“Did he, Grandfather? Did he go and tell?” Grandfather smiled, nodded.
“He led me to the Lord Jesus.”
Kingdom Thinking. The Lord Jesus loves me with an everlasting love. He took my place on the cross. I deserved to die, not Him. Not only did He set me free, but He promises never to leave nor forsake me. He offers the same to you. Won’t you cone?