(Jesus said) "So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed." John 8:36

PARENTS PLEASE TAKE NOTE: THIS DEVOTION IS A SAD STORY AND MAY NOT BE SUITABLE FOR SMALL CHILDREN.

Seventy-two-year-old Ed Fry of Hydro, Oklahoma, loves his dog, "Buddy Rough and Tough."

When Buddy was put in the pound for being off his leash, Fry paid $50 to get Buddy sprung from the clink. The second time Buddy was placed behind bars, Fry decided not to pay the $100.

Instead, Fry decided to break his poodle out of the hoosegow.

Armed with bolt-cutters, Fry drove his riding lawnmower to the town kennel. In the middle of the night he sprung his pooch and made their break for freedom.

Sadly, Fry was stopped on the way home and was arrested. There were numerous charges lodged against him. He had committed second-degree burglary, and he had trespassed and destroyed city property. Then, of course, there was the misdemeanor charge of letting an animal run free.

It took a while for Fry to get himself released. By the time he did, his dog had been put down.

Isn't that a sad story? The dog gets euthanized while his master is out of commission.

If I know you like I think I know you, you're saying, "That's not right. That shouldn't have happened."

I agree.

Now, if you're upset and outraged about the death of a dog, I hope you are furious about what happened to Jesus.

Two thousand years ago those who were after Jesus had Him arrested. More than that, in His illegal trials they brought in liars to testify against Him. They stopped only when they had browbeaten a weak judge into saying that Jesus should be crucified.

And He was. Jesus died on the cross carrying our sins. The innocent was murdered for the guilty ... and there was no one around with bolt-cutters to win His release.

That doesn't mean Jesus remained captive. Because He had done all things necessary, three days after His lifeless body had been laid in the tomb, Jesus rose.

Now with Holy Spirit-given faith, we know all who believe are forgiven and promised eternal life in heaven with their Deliverer, the Christ, God's Son.

THE PRAYER: Dear Lord, there are many sad stories in this world. I give thanks that Your death on the cross is not the end of Your story. Your resurrection offers a happy conclusion for You and all who are brought to faith. May I give thanks that Your blessed story is also ours. In Your Name. Amen.

In Christ I remain His servant and yours,

Today's Bible Readings: Jeremiah 33, 21    Hebrews 9

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