Freedom smells sweet as you walk along the sidewalk. Suddenly, you begin to feel hungry and stumble upon an all night diner, so you walk in, sit down and order something to eat. You decide to read the morning paper while you wait for your food to be prepared. The front page headline reads "Murderer freed and Innocent slain." You rub your eyes and can hardly believe what you've read. There is your name in black and white along with someone else and he has been executed in your place. You read on. Apparently that someone chose to take your place and let you have a second chance. You never had the chance to meet him, much less thank him. What would compel someone to do that you wonder?
In the Biblical account of the trial of Christ, the religious leaders of the day were trying to find a way to convict Jesus of any crime, so that they could get rid of Him. They felt threatened by Jesus's claims to be the Son of God. Even the Roman authorities could not find fault with Him. But to appease the religious leaders and the crowd, they gave them a choice. They could choose to allow a murderer named Barabas to go free or Jesus. They chose Barabas.
I sometimes wonder what went through Barabas's mind that day. Did he feel loved in that moment? Did he consider the excruciating death Jesus would have to suffer on the cross? Then I wonder if he changed his ways or if he went back to his old ones.
Jesus is quoted as saying "Greater love has no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends." (John 15:13) But Jesus went even a step further, by asking His heavenly Father to forgive His enemies, the ones crucifying Him.
Whether you believe Jesus is who He says He is, one thing is for sure. There is no denying His sacrificial love for His fellow man. Because of this, I feel immensely loved.
I absolutely love this post!!!!! Nice dramatic narrative and allowing the reader to be in the dark. For a couple minutes, I was like what in the world? But awesome because it works for the post.
ReplyDeleteFurthermore, I taught this actual message to my kiddies on Sunday.;)
But you are not alone Liz, I have thought that exact same thing for some years now. Wouldn't we want someone close by to heal, protect and shield us when needed?
Nice visual to the post. One thing though, and I am not a 100 percent sure is that "1st" in the beginning probably should be first. And always remember that periods go on the inside of whatever you are quoting.
Liz nice tie in with the scripture as well! This post is fantastic. What better way to show love than Him! Amazing how you tied it all together.
Interesting post. A small nitpick though... I think it's doubtful that a person entering a guilty plea would be given the death penalty. In fact, such a plea is often entered as part of a deal that specifically involves taking the death penalty "off the table," so to speak, in terms of sentencing options. That's what watching courtroom dramas as a kid gets ya, LoL!
ReplyDeleteThanks to both of you and I will remember that Tony B=)
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