AUGUST 11, 1 Peter 2:21

The whole family was already eating dinner when Jack got home. “You’re late!” Dad scolded. “Sorry,” mumbled Jack.

“Eat your dinner now, and we’ll talk about it later,” said Mom. Jack had been late many times before, and he’d been warned that if it happened again, he’d be disciplined. He felt bad about that because Grandma was coming over after dinner, and he loved to spend time  with her.

Just like he had expected, Jack was sent to his room after dinner. He felt lonely there, but he knew he deserved the punishment. As he was trying to decide whether to read a book or listen to a few songs, his older brother Joe appeared in the doorway. “You can come out now,”  Joe said quietly. “Did Mom and Dad say I could?” asked Jack.

“Yes,” replied Joe. “I’m taking your punishment for you, because I know how much you like to play games with Grandma.” As he turned to leave, he said, “I’m going to my room for the rest of the evening.”

Jack was stunned, “Yeah, right! he thought. That’s too good to be true. He’s probably playing a trick on me, and if I leave my room, I’ll just be in more trouble.”

Half an hour later Grandma came to Jack’s room. “Why didn’t you come down?” she asked. “I was waiting for you, but now I need to leave soon.”

“Grandma, is it true that Joe’s taking my punishment?” Jack asked. Grandma nodded. “Oh, no!” groaned Jack. “I missed all the fun just because I didn’t believe him.”

Grandma looked serious. “This reminds me of someone else who took punishment for you,” she said. “Jesus died for your sins. Have you believed Him and accepted what He did for you?” Jack nodded and Grandma smiled. “I’m so glad of that,” she said. “Many people don’t believe that Jesus took the punishment they deserve, and then it does them no good.”

Thought: Did you know that Jesus took the punishment for your sin? Do you believe He died for you?

Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank You for reminding me of the great sacrifice Jesus made for me. Help me to both accept this gift of eternal life, and to be grateful to You. And please help me to show my gratitude by being a good Christian child. In Jesus’ precious name I pray, amen.