You Took My Place

Posted on July 4, 2022 by Catey Stover in Freedom Fighters

“For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.” – 2 Corinthians 5:21

The first Sunday we walked into the church we were visiting in Toms River, we knew because of the size of our family we were most likely going to sit in the wrong place! It was inevitable.

And we did!

As we sat in the pew, two ladies who became good friends walked in and sat down in the pew behind. In a stage whisper, the one said, “They took our place! I know it is our row because there is wax on the carpet!”

I couldn’t help but think about that when my brother-in-law, Jay, sent me this email years ago:

One day, a man went as a visitor to a church. He got there early, parked his car and got out. Another car pulled up nearby and parked. The driver got out and said, “I always park there! You took my place!” 

The visitor went inside for the service, found an empty seat and sat down. A young lady from the church approached him and stated, “That’s my seat! You took my place!” The visitor was somewhat distressed by this rude welcome, but still said nothing. 

 After the service, the visitor went into the Sanctuary and sat down to pray. Another member came up to him and said, “That’s where I always sit! You took my place!” The visitor was even more troubled by this treatment, but still said nothing. 

 Later as the congregation was praying for Christ to dwell among them, the visitor stood up, and his appearance began to change. His clothing became a simple robe. Horrible scars became visible on his hands and on his now sandaled feet. Someone from the congregation noticed Him and called out, “What happened to you?”  

The visitor replied, as His hat became a crown of thorns, and a tear fell from his eye, “I took your place!”

Pretty powerful reminder! He took our place! Thank You, Lord.

 

Written by Bill Welte, President/CEO of America’s Keswick: Bill has been married to his childhood sweetheart for 40+ years and has four married kids and 12 amazing grandkids. He loves music and is an avid reader.


Think About This: “What you have in Christ is greater than anything you don’t have in life.” – Author Unknown

The Daily Bible Reading: Job 29-30Acts 12| You can download our 2022 Daily Bible Reading Plan by clicking here. 

This Week’s Verse to Memorize: “In this is love, not that we loved God, but that He loved us and sent His Son to be the propitiation for our sins. 11 Beloved, if God so loved us, we also ought to love one another.” – 1 John 4:10-11

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