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Listen while you read: "At The Name Of Jesus"1 (Lyrics) |
"Here you go, ma'am!" The rental car dealer handed me the car keys and I happily drove away. I had been involved in a fender bender and now had use of a rental car as a loaner while my car was being repaired. Though totally satisfactory as a temporary means of transportation, the substitute car, nonetheless, was not the same as my own familiar car. A more basic model, it lacked some helpful safety features that I was used to having.
There are many times when a substitute stands in for the original. A substitute teacher carries on the classwork while the regular classroom teacher is absent. Margarine served as a cheaper substitute for butter during World War II and is now nearly as popular as butter itself. A store may offer an equivalent substitute when a desired item is out of stock. A pharmacist can substitute a generic brand for a more expensive prescription drug.
Sometimes, a substitute can be just as good as — if not better than — the original item. Other times, it serves a valid purpose but is simply a temporary place filler until the original is once again available.
There is one substitute, however, that has no comparison. Jesus died on the cross for the sins of the world, serving as the Perfect Substitute. Though each of us is guilty of sin and deserving of its due punishment, Jesus willingly chose to take our place, paying the penalty that a just God requires.
Galatians 3:13a – Christ bought us with His blood and made us free from the Law. In that way, the Law could not punish us. Christ did this by carrying the load and by being punished instead of us. (NLV)
We can be assured that Jesus' substitution is permanent, granting eternal life. My rental car agreement was temporary, and I, in due time, had to return it to the dealer. We never need fear that Jesus' substitutionary act will run out. It is a once-for-all offer for all who believe in Jesus' work of atonement on the cross. Even though we will continue to stumble and sin as we journey through life, His forgiveness, granted in response to our faith, is never-ending.
Have you placed your full trust in Jesus' substitutionary death on your behalf? Do you have the peace that comes from knowing that your sins are forgiven and that you have eternal life?
Prayer: Dear Father in heaven, what a wonderful gift You gave to humanity when You sent Your Son Jesus to die on the cross for the sins of the world. May we gladly receive this substitutionary gift with no reservation. Amen.
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Perfect! Blessings.
Amen and amen! Blessings.
Thanks for reminding us about this wonderful news, Gail.
I truly enjoyed your message today.
(Ontario)
Amen Gail. Thanks for a good word today.
Blessings.
Thanks Gail, for this thoughtful piece. It made me stop to consider how perfectly Jesus satisfied every single requirement for saving us from the eternal penalties for sin.
Thank you, Gail. This is so reassuring: “Even though we will continue to stumble and sin as we journey through life, His forgiveness, granted in response to our faith, is never-ending.”
Morning Gail,
This morning’s devotional is absolutely perfect…what a good example you have given.
Thanks.
What a wonderful message you have shared today! It’s so uplifting and encouraging. I especially appreciated the way you summed it up so perfectly with these words: “His forgiveness, granted in response to our faith, is never-ending.”
Amen!
Blessings to you.
Many thanks Gail for another of your very special writings. Yes we are so very blessed to have Jesus in our lives and to receive very true benefits from His constant loving care. There is absolutely no substitute to fulfill that.
Blessings as you continue to contribute these very meaningful and reassuring devotionals.
Gail,
I am in awe how people who write devotionals come up with inspiring and new ways to express what Jesus did for us so long ago.
You state “Though each of us is guilty of sin and deserving of its due punishment, Jesus willingly chose to take our place, paying the penalty that a just God requires.” He really is the “perfect substitute” for us and our sins. I think, would I be willing to be the substitute for someone else’s sins? A very interesting concept to bring home how much he has done for us.
If we can keep our focus on this, it will help us to be willing to do God’s will and act like Jesus would act in our daily lives. This is not easy, but it was not easy what Jesus did for us as our substitute.
May you continue to put your faith in Jesus and enjoy the peace and joy that it provides. Blessings.
Good afternoon Gail
Good words in your devotional. Jesus is the perfect substitute indeed.
Thank you for writing.
Gail, thanks much for your perceptive presentation of Christ’s substitutionary work on our behalf. Thanks for your continued effort to get the Good News out. I’m grateful for a friend bringing it to my attention. Blessings.