But God shows His love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Since, therefore, we have now been justified by His blood, much more shall we be saved by Him from the wrath of God. Romans 5:8-9

Note to Parents and Educators from Pastor Klaus: This devotion deals with a topic, which may not be appropriate for your charges. Please, before you share it with them, review and make the appropriate decision. Thank you.

Jeremy Mead was six years old when he saw his mother brutally assaulted at gunpoint. In the hours that followed, she was raped, strangled, and left to die in the woods.

Now, because Jeremy wrote a victim's impact statement, he has been banned from the hearing of his mother's alleged murderer.

In his declaration Jeremy wrote that he wished the man, Raymond Babinski, was dead and he would be glad to be the one to help him along.

The authorities, having read Jeremy's affirmation, labeled it "disturbing" and will not let him into the courtroom.

I can understand why Jeremy feels the way he does. He has seen things, which nobody -- especially a child -- should ever see. I can also understand the position of the Correctional Service of Canada. It has an obligation to keep their charges, even the guilty ones, safe from harm.

The one thing I can't understand is why our heavenly Father allowed His Son to live and die for sinners. For 33-years the Father watched as His Son was rejected, misunderstood, hated, unfairly tried, and innocently sent to die. It was something no father -- even a heavenly one -- should ever have to see.

Indeed, if it had been my son dying for someone else I would have stepped in. I would have intervened. I would have taken revenge on those responsible for such injustice.

But that's not what the Father did. He allowed His Son to live and die so we might be saved. Now, justified by Jesus' blood, we are forgiven.

I don't understand why our Father in heaven would have done such a thing -- but I shall be eternally grateful He did.

THE PRAYER: My heavenly Father, You watched as Your Son died for me. It was unfair He had to suffer in such a way so I might have salvation. Even so, I give thanks for Your grace, which has forgiven and saved me. May I live my life in a manner that shows my appreciation. In Jesus' Name. Amen.

In Christ I remain His servant and yours,

Today's Bible Readings: Psalms 17, 19    John 9:24-41

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