A Long Time Ago

A Long time ago

A long time ago in a land far away there was a King. He was the most loved and just King the people had ever known. But one day it was discovered that someone was stealing from the King’s treasury. The King said, “Find this person and when you do, the punishment is 40 lashes”. It was known that 40 lashes were enough to kill a man, so he had ordered a “death penalty” for the thief. As time went on the kings’ men came to him and told him that it was the King’s own daughter that was stealing. There was talk around the kingdom that the king would probably let her go, but how could a just king let her go? The king had her brought before them. They tied her hands to the whipping block; the executioner tore the back of her shirt and was about to administer the beating when the king stepped in. He yelled “STOP!” He took off his shirt and laid his body over hers and said, “now, administer the penalty”. So, the king took the beating, which ended his life. Taking that penalty on himself.

Many of us would step in for our own children. I understand why the king did this. But Jesus did the same for us. We, who have scoffed, mocked, disobeyed, broken laws and rules. God’s children. We have done horrible things against God, but since He loves us and wants us to spend eternity in heaven, He has made a way for us. Jesus took the penalty for our sins on Himself. So that when we stand before God in heaven He can look upon us and see “snow white”.

Psalm 103:12 He has removed our sins as far from us as the east is from the west.

None of us are without sin. We may not think our sins are “bad”. I am a pretty good person; I have never killed anyone. But God is so perfect, to Him the smallest sin is so filthy that He cannot look upon it, so we needed a way.

Thank you, Lord, for sending your son, to sacrifice His life for us. So that we may live with you in heaven for eternity. Amen.

Shirlene Peterson