A Substitute Prisoner
And so the Foremans head over to this country in North Africa, and they do a whole lot of good through this NGO that they work for.
They begin by doing a lot of work in prisons—teaching English classes, as well as nutrition, hygiene, and literacy in the boys’ prison. Taking hygiene products and food to the women’s prisons, teaching basic nutrition and healthcare, as well as sewing classes. Through all these acts of service, they show the love of Jesus to people in need.
Showing the Love of Jesus Through Good Works
I was very struck by these words on page 47 about a friendship that Stephen developed with a man in prison, whose father had been convicted of a crime years earlier. “When the father became old and frail, after many failed attempts to get him released, the young man—his son—offered to finish out his father’s sentence instead.”
I thought that was a wonderful story of compassion: becoming a substitute prisoner so that his father, in his old age, didn’t have to suffer.
Jesus Took Your Place
For me, this is a powerful picture of the love of Jesus. Do you know that Jesus took your place in prison so that you could go free? Do you know that He became a substitute prisoner for you when He died on the cross—taking all your sins and the punishment for your sins in your place? If you will just surrender to Him, you don’t have to carry those burdens anymore.
This is the good news of the gospel, friends—that Christ came and took our place as a substitute, and now we can go free if we believe in Him.
Walking in Freedom Through Christ
So I wonder today—do you believe in Christ? Have you surrendered to Him and trusted in the fact that He took your place, and that you are now free from the prison of sin?
Do you remember that newer version of Amazing Grace?
“My chains are gone,” the chorus says.
“My chains are gone, I’ve been set free.
My God, my Saviour has ransomed me.”
Jesus spoke about giving His life as a ransom for us. And so today, because He has set you free from your prison, if you believe in Him, you can walk in freedom.
An extra devotion for my supporters! Amon increased his guilt by continuing in sin, but God's grace is greater than any sin. Come to God in repentant prayer today, leaving behind old ways and finding His sanctifying grace.