WHAT A FRIEND... … A certain friend grew up to be closer to each other than even brothers. There is nothing they ever do without the consent of the other. They lived and knew each very well. At least that is what they thought until one of the friends got involved in a situation that landed him in jail. Yet, this did not affect the friendship after all. A day to the execution of the convicted friend, he made a request to his dear friend. He asked that he should stand in for him so that he can have his last dinner with his family. What a steep request! They had to face the problem of convincing the warder to agree with their arrangement. On the long run, the warder let the friend take the place of the convicted enemy, after making sure he understands the consequences of his actions. He would be killed in place of his friend if he refuses to come back to face his punishment. He will face the noose. He was so sure his friend for many years will not betray his trust, not even if death is involved. How else is he to show his undying love to his friend if not now that it is his last demand – his dying wish. It happened that as this man was having the dinner with his family for the last time, heaven opened, and down came the rain. It rained so heavily that it was impossible for him to find his way back to the prison. His family encouraged him not to go back, seeing the harsh weather as a sign from the divine. Yet his impersonating friend was so sure that, no matter what, his friend will come back to face his penalty. Time is ticking, the pressure mounting and the crowd gathered in anticipation to witness the death of this convict. The convict has to run with his last strength not to disappoint his “good” friend now to be killed in his place. He got to the bridge to find out that it has been washed away be the flood. Is he going to let his friend die in his stead? God forbid! There must be a way to get things right. He searched and searched but there seems to be no way. Meanwhile in the prison, the friend is been prepared for execution. Still he has no iota of doubt that his dear friend will come to take his place and face judgment. Hours to execution, the convict is nowhere close; nowhere to be found. The warder has to prepare the impersonator for final execution. Minutes and seconds away, still the convict is still in thin air. He was dragged in chains to the platform, noose ready, and the crowd shouting on top of their voices for the final punishment. Curses and abuse were rendered without recourse. Yet he knows that he dear friend, the real convict, will not disappoint him now. He must come to take his place was his constant thought. This he is not sure he still believes any more. What a price to pay for friendship. As this friend was unveiled and the noose passed through his head while the noose man and the executor in readiness to give out the final order, a voice was heard from afar calling and shouting, calling and shouting. To the astonishment and relief of the warder – it is the convict calling for his friend not to be killed for his stead. He has come back as promised to take his place. What a friend! As this unveiled, the executor, warder and the crowd reached a consensus to let the convict free because there has never been a place where this type of friendship and trust has been witnessed. It is a rare occurrence…. This is how our relationship is with Christ. He is standing in for us while we are living on a borrowed live like the convict. Can He trust you to keep to your words? To come and take responsibility of your acts and actions? Will you be a true friend to Him not to let Him die again for you? As we celebrate this season of redemption, let us all make Him a friend that can trust us. It is possible if we only let Him take charge. HAPPY EASTER!!!
Posted on: Fri, 18 Apr 2014 13:29:21 +0000
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