But I Wasn't at Fault!

Daily Reading: Genesis 44

Scripture Focus: Then they tore their clothes, and every man loaded his donkey, and they returned to the city. (Genesis 44.13)

Devotional Thought: Joseph's brothers were innocent, but had to pay the price. They had been framed and knew that they were in serious trouble. Have you ever been innocent and yet had to pay a penalty?

My daughter Amy found herself in that situation once. She was driving to school and someone backed out of a parking space into the street. Bang! I wasn't worried. The other student was at fault. He was even cited. But, there was a quirk in Illinois insurance law that required us to pay the deductable from our insurance policy! The other driver - at fault - didn't pay a dime out of pocket, but we were out $500! Unfair! But what could we do - the law was what it was. Unhappy, I paid the penalty.

Joseph's brothers were in big trouble for something they didn't do. At times we get caught up in things that are not of our own doing, but which cost us dearly. Often it is because we were in the wrong place at the wrong time. Sometimes it's because we are hanging out with others who get into trouble. Guilt by association. Sometimes we do something we didn't know was wrong. At any rate, the price has to be paid. We hate paying those costs, don't we?

But, that's exactly what Jesus did. He was completely innocent of sin, yet he went to the cross that he might bear our iniquities and pay the penalty for our sin! Fair? Hardly. But he was willing to do it because of his great love for us. What are we to do? As the old chorus goes: "I'll live for him who died for me!" Hallelujah!

Prayer: Jesus, though no fault was found in you, you suffered death that I might live. Thank you for dying on the cross for me. I commit this day to live for you. Amen.

Psalm of the Day: 1 Vindicate me, O God, and defend my cause against an ungodly people, from the deceitful and unjust man deliver me! 2 For you are the God in whom I take refuge; why have you rejected me? Why do I go about mourning because of the oppression of the enemy? 3 Send out your light and your truth; let them lead me; let them bring me to your holy hill and to your dwelling! 4 Then I will go to the altar of God, to God my exceeding joy, and I will praise you with the lyre, O God, my God. 5 Why are you cast down, O my soul, and why are you in turmoil within me? Hope in God; for I shall again praise him, my salvation and my God. (Psalms 43:1-5)