A New Day

By: Pastor Johnie Akers     

Mark 15:15, “And so Pilate, willing to content the people, released Barabbas unto them, and delivered Jesus, when he scourged Him, to be crucified.”  During the Civil War, a farmer named Blake was drafted as a soldier.  He was deeply concerned about leaving his family, because his wife had died and there would be no one to support and take care of his children in his absence. The day before he was to leave for the army, his neighbor, Charlie Durham,came to visit him. “Blake,” he said, “I’ve been thinking. You’re needed here at home, so I’ve decided to go in your place.” The farmer was so overwhelmed that for a few moments he was speechless. The offer seemed too good to be true. He grasped the hand of the young man and praised God for this one who was willing to go as his substitute.Charlie went to the front-lines and performed his duties nobly. But sad to say, he was shot and killed in the first battle. When the farmer heard the news, he immediately saddled his horse and rode out to the battlefield. After searching for some time, he found the body of his friend. He arranged to have it buried in the churchyard near the spot where they had often stopped to talk after the services. On a piece of marble he carved an inscription with his own hands. It was roughly done, but with every blow of the hammer on the chisel tears fell from his eyes. He placed themarker on the grave of his devoted substitute. Many villagers wept as they read the brief but touching inscription: “HE DIED FOR ME.”  My dear friend, not only was it Barabbas’ lot to stand condemned for his crimes and pay the ultimate penalty, which was death, but you and I faced the same demise.  Then, as certain as Charlie stepped forward to take Blake’s place, so Christ Jesus stepped forward to take not only the place of Barabbas, but to take the place of all humanity.  Let us never forget our Great Substitute; and with every blow of the hammer of devotion and gratitude, witness to the world:  “HE DIED FOR ME.”  This is the proclamation that will shine as light into a darkened world, and proclaim for all, a glorious new day.