Thursday, October 11, 2018

THE WHIPPING BOY

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.”

“Is that true, Grandfather? Someone took the crown prince’s punishment?”

“Actually, the Whipping Boy was an established position in the English court during the Tudor and Stuart monarchies of the 15th and 16th centuries. Usually he was a companion to the prince, high born and educated with him.”

“Then why would the prince want his friend punished? Makes no sense to me.” Timmy frowned.

“The tutor couldn't discipline the prince so the whipping boy took his place. Hopefully the prince would see the pain his friend received because of him and be sorry for his deeds.” Grandfather tilted his head. “How would you like to live back then?”

“I guess it would depend on whether I was the prince or the whipping boy.” Timmy said, turned serious. “Really, it doesn’t seem fair.”

“It doesn’t. But, Timmy, how if the crown prince took the punishment for the whipping boy? That would really be something, huh?”

“That would get everybody’s attention for sure,” he agreed with his grandfather, then said. “No prince would ever do that.”

“That’s where you’re wrong, son. A Prince took the whipping and the curses and every sin known to mankind upon Himself. He volunteered so we might become the righteous of God in Him.”

“The Lord Jesus,” Timmy whispered.

“He, the Son of God, took on the form of a whipping boy, so I could be set free from sin and become right with God.”

Kingdom Thinking. No way can I understand God’s love so I praise Him. He promises never to leave nor forsake me and loves me with an everlasting love. He offers the same to you. Won’t you come?