TODAY’S DEVOTIONAL PASSAGE

DEVOTIONAL

by Sandra Chua

I am sure many parents can relate to this. When your children get sick, and you see them suffering, don’t you sometimes wish you could take their place and be the one suffering instead? 

The ten sons of Jacob were told to bring their youngest brother, Benjamin, to the man selling grain in Egypt as proof that they were not spies. Jacob had hesitated and held on til the family finished the grain they had bought. They had to go back to Egypt. Reuben offered his two sons if Benjamin did not come back with them (Genesis 42:37). Judah offered himself. “I myself will be surety for him; you may hold me responsible for him. If I do not bring him back to you and set him before you, then let me bear the blame before you forever.” (Genesis 43:9)

So off went the eleven brothers to Egypt. Everything seemed to go well until they were on their way back home. Benjamin was set up by Joseph and accused of having stolen Joseph’s golden cup, which was planted in the boy’s sack.

In despair,  the brothers resigned themselves to be all taken as slaves. Joseph, however, declined, saying that only the man who sinned shall be detained. Judah quickly pleads for Benjamin and, true to his promise to his father, offers to take the place of his youngest brother the reason. “For how shall I go up to my father if the lad is not with me—for fear that I see the evil that would overtake my father?” —Genesis 44:34 

Jesus, in His love, also took our place before the Father. Isaiah 53:4-5 Surely he took up our pain and bore our suffering, yet we considered him punished by God, stricken by him, and afflicted. But he was pierced for our transgressions; he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was on him, and by his wounds, we have healed” He, Jesus, who had no sin became sin for us that we might become in Him the righteousness of God. How wonderful is God’s love!

REFLECTION

What has been your response to Jesus Christ taking your place on the cross?

PRAYER