Instead Of...

I love the lines of this old song that I learned growing up:

"There is a Redeemer, Jesus, God's own Son; precious lamb of God, Messiah, h...o...l...y One."

In this short tune, the Good News is beautifully told: on the cross, Jesus, the Redeemer, exchanged His life for mine. God judged His perfect Son instead of me.

From the cross, my Redeemer was put in the tomb---crucified, dead, and buried. But the rest of the Good News is: the third day He rose again, conquering both sin and death! Yes, this I know, my Redeemer lives (Job 19:25). And I also know, my Redeemer is strong; the Lord of Hosts is His name; He will vigorously plead my case (Jeremiah 50:34). Indeed, He fought for me then, and He fights for me now. In Him, I now have eternal life instead of certain death.

After Jesus rose from the grave, He ascended into heaven, yet not without promising to send you and me a Helper. Another line in the same old song is: "Thank You, O my Father, for sending us Your Son, and leaving us Your Spirit 'til the work on earth is done." Because of my Redeemer, God has begun a new work in me, and I can now daily live the "instead of" life. My soul now possesses:

a garland instead of ashes,

the oil of gladness instead of mourning,

the mantle of praise instead of a sprit of fainting...

a double portion instead of my shame...

and everlasting joy instead of humiliation. Isaiah 61:3,7

What an amazing exchange from my gracious Redeemer. And it doesn't stop there. He offers you and me peace instead of confusion, courage instead of fear, rest instead of weariness, hope instead of despondency... on and on and on.

Dear Jesus, precious lamb of God, Messiah... REDEEMER... how I do thank You for purchasing the "instead of" life for me.