“He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities; the chastisement of our peace was upon Him; and with His stripes we are healed.” Isaiah 53:5
An old story says that one day, a man went to visit a church; He got there early, parked his car and got out. Another car pulled up near the driver got out and said, ” I always park there! You took my place!”
The visitor went inside for Sunday School, 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 said nothing.
After Sunday School, the visitor went into the sanctuary and sat down. Another member walked 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 he said nothing.
Later as the congregation was praying for Christ to dwell among them, the visitor stood up, and his appearance began to change. Horrible scars became visible on his hands and on his 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.”
Christ’s death doesn’t mean that we won’t have to face physical death, but we can escape spiritual death. Spiritual death, which is separation from God.
We cannot escape the presence of God.
He is all around us, even if we don’t recognize Him. We should seek Him, as He seeks us. Many voices of the world clamor for your attention, yes even in the church, trying to avert our attention to another path. But,
He has called us to walk closely with Him, soaking in His presence and living in His peace.
Look for Him. He is everywhere and as He draws near to us, we are drawn closer to Him and life is never the same.
By John Grant
Used by Permission
John Grant is a former Florida State Senator and is a practicing attorney
Further Reading
• Foundational Core Truths about Prayer
• Practicing the Presence of God
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