One of the fascinations of people is the idea of trading places. It is a recurring theme decade after decade in film and fantasy. When I was a boy, baseball players entertained the idea of being Babe Ruth. A candy company made a fortune of that fantasy over the years. There seems to be some people who are, in the minds of others, bigger than life. The truth is hard sometime to digest.
It is one thing to desire the success or fame of someone or a heroic figure. Even today, boxers would like to imitate Cassius Clay who could float like a butterfly and sting like a bee. In my day, the Golden Glove player who made the fans cry, “Say Hey”, was Willie Mays. I don’t even have to tell people what 23 means. It carries a message all its own.
The most amazing example of trading places was not what many would even consider. It was the reverse of admiration. It was how redemption transpires. It is important to understand that love sees a need and fills it. The chasm between God and mankind was so vast that it would take something special to span the gap. The “Eyes of Mercy”, seeing the depravity of fallen nature, put a demand on love, after which grace could put on the finishing touch of redemption. Jesus placed a demand on judgment by His personal sacrifice for our salvation. He actually had to TRADE PLACES for us, and by taking our place on the cross He became sin for us who knew no sin. That is what we would all have to call “Trading Place”, and that is what He did.
Have you ever thought what it would be like to trade places for someone? Considering that this is what Christ has done for each and every one of us, there should be no limit on the measure of our love, adoration, and affection.
I believe in you, and this is what we base our confidence in, the marvelous fact that He traded places for us.
Your loving pastors,
Cleddie and GayNell