THE OLDER BROTHER!

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

“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. It started with little things. He'd take someone’s homework, cheat on a test. But as he grew into manhood, he became hateful, feared by all, except Joseph, who loved him.”

“Why was he so mean? Joseph lost his parents, too--.” Grandfather held up his hand, palm out.

“One night, a store was robbed, the owner killed. Jacob didn’t try to hide but signed his name on the counter.”

“So dumb. Why would he do that?”

“Timmy, we, humans, do really dumb things.”

“But that...”

Hand up, he continued. “Arrested and tried, he was found guilty and sentenced to hang. Joseph was crushed. He'd tried everything to help his brother.

“On the day of the execution, head bent, a hooded cloak covering his face, he 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. I’m the guilty one.' The hood removed revealed Joseph. He took his brother’s place. Jacob sank to his knees, tears running down his face. 'Why would he do such a thing? What am I to do?'

"An arm came around his shoulders. 'Go and tell. About the love of your older brother who took your place.' With clarity, he finally understood.  

"'The Love of the real Older Brother, the Lord Jesus 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--swapped places with me. I deserved to die, not Him. Not only did He set me free, but He promises never to leave me. He offers the same to you. Won’t you come?