Our Place

by Sam

But he was pierced for our transgressions. He was crushed for our iniquities. The punishment that brought our peace was on him; and by his wounds we are healed.

Isaiah 53:5

Last Christmas Eve, my wife and I were driving to go grocery shopping. I saw a homeless veteran, holding a sign and selling mistletoe. I felt pity and we made a bag of instant oatmeal, breakfast bars, and bottled water. We gave him the bag along with $40.

He couldn’t eat any of the food because he was a diabetic, but he would pass it along to other homeless. He told us he needed a place to stay until his VA benefits could sort out housing. I gave him all the large bills I had. With it, he said he was able to get shelter for several days. He gave us mistletoe, a calendar, and thanked us profusely as we left.

As we came back home, we realized that were it not for grace, we could be homeless, reliant on the kindness of strangers.

That reminded me of what Jesus did for us. While we were poor, blind, naked, and hungry, Jesus came and took our place. He got out of His warm comfortable car, put His warm jacket around us, and gave us the keys to His car and home. He chose to live our life and death that we deserve.

He has already sacrificed everything and paid the price for sin. He died so that we can choose peace and life. Jesus offers that peace and abundant blessings to you today. Won’t you take it and fully enjoy them?