“When He had said this, He showed them His hands and His side. Then the disciples were glad when they saw the Lord.”                                John 20:20

Taking the Bullet

Most of us have been in life-threatening situations a few times in our lives. These are situations where we could have died, if someone or Someone had not stepped in to save us. In my case, each time I was saved from death, it was by direct intervention of the Lord. (Whether He sent an angel to guard me or it was Him simply directing events is beyond the scope of this devotional. Either way, I was rescued.)

I can’t imagine standing face-to-face with a person who had just given their life for me. The person who shoved me off the tracks just as the train came and hit him instead. The one who took off the chains meant to hold me until the day of my execution and put them on himself instead. The one who stood in the path of a bullet meant for me.

This is exactly what our Lord and Savior has done for us. He rescued us when we had no ability to rescue ourselves. He took our chains off so we could run free, and He submitted to the execution that I deserved. He took the bullet of judgment upon Himself, though I deserved it and He did not.

Have we stood in the Presence of this One who took the bullet for us? Let’s picture it, and let it sink deep into our souls. The One who saved us is ever before us. Have we been overcome by what He did for us? Has it conquered us? Have we stood speechless at His love for us? Are we filled with gratitude, knowing He did it willingly—just because we are precious to Him? Do we live in wonder of the fact that the One and Only Person who COULD save us, DID save us?

Let us live out our days in thankfulness for what He has done. May we never take forgiveness for granted, nor forget His gift of eternal life. Let our hearts rejoice and be glad!

“Loving Father, You have shown us Your great love by sending Your Son to take the bullet we deserve. We are eternally grateful for the lengths You went to, that we might be saved and have everlasting life. We pray in the Name of Jesus. Amen.”