But 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
How would you fare being wounded for someone else's transgressions?
You might have a story like this one. Many years ago, I was relieving depot secretary at Telstra. An old workmate had temporarily moved up the ladder one position, and I came in and took his role. The trouble is, I didn't know anybody other than him at that depot, so when it came to documenting hours and overtime, I pushed my friend to help record the names and hours, but he kept saying, 'don't worry, I have it all in my head, we'll do it tomorrow".
This mental recording stretched out for several days until he had almost the full fortnight of 'records' still not written down. I had plenty of other work to do as the depot was very busy and, despite my growing concern, trusted him. In the end, we went to record what was in his head, and it ended up a mess that went on for another two months trying to straighten it out.
It was his mess, but I took the rap for it, which ruined my career. I covered for him, but in hindsight, I think I should have lagged him in. In those days you always covered for 'mates'. I kept the whole episode quiet, and I got a bad name I didn't earn.
Jesus, when taking the rap for our sins, had no second thoughts, and certainly no hindsight regrets or illuminations. He said in Matthew 5:10, "Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness' sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” Sometimes we are persecuted for reasons of righteousness, but I still think it is good if we speak up :)
Today's Prayer: Dear Lord, thank you for taking the rap for me and my sins. Please help me never forget that I was dead in my sins until you saved me.
Comentarios