Jim and Tom were brothers. They were very much like each other in appearance and habits, and were true brothers in every sense. In the same school and in the same class, it often puzzled the teacher to tell which was Jim and which was Tom. One day he did not even know they had changed places. It came about in this way.
During the teacher’s absence the usual noise and tumult took place. Returning unexpectedly he found Tom ringleader in the uproar. Tom must take the punishment for the offense, so was brought forward to the desk. But no strap could be found; it had been left somewhere by the teacher. Leaving Tom standing, he proceeded to find the instrument of punishment. In a moment Jim, the brother of the offender, slipped into his place, gave him a push toward his desk, and stood sullenly awaiting the punishment.
When the master returned, he did not notice that one brother had taken the place or become the substitute for the other, so punished Jim, the innocent, though willing victim, and let Tom, the real offender, go free.
An ordinary incident in school life, yet a picture of the greatest event in the world, when it is said of the Lord Jesus.
“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 53:55But 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). Listen to the testimony of the chief of sinners.
Jim only took the punishment instead of Tom, but Jesus died in our stead on the Cross of Calvary! What mighty love! God “spared not His own Son, but delivered Him up for us all.” Romans 8:3232He that spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how shall he not with him also freely give us all things? (Romans 8:32).
I feel sure when school was over that Tom thanked Jim warmly for volunteering to take his place and bear his punishment.
I also feel sure if you could but realize how much the Lord Jesus has loved you, how great a danger He is willing to save you from, and how great a glory He is willing to save you to, you would not retire to rest another night without thanking Him for loving you, dying for you, rising for you, and soon coming to take you to His eternal home. Why not thank Him now?
ML 03/17/1968