You Took My Place

I received this in an email and wanted to share it with you. This is an email that has gone around several times and has an awesome story with meaning behind it. After you read it you will understand what I mean. I hope you enjoy it as much as I did.

YOU TOOK MY PLACE

One day, a man went to visit a church; He got there early, parked his car and got out. Another car pulled up near the driver got out and said, "I always park there!
You took my place!"

The visitor went inside for Sunday School, found an empty seat and sat down; a young lady from the church approached him and stated, "That's my seat! You took my place!" The visitor was somewhat distressed by this rude welcome, but said nothing.

After Sunday School, the visitor went into the sanctuary and sat down. Another member walked up to him and said, "That’s where I always sit! You took my place!" The visitor was even more troubled by this treatment, but still He said nothing.

Later as the congregation was praying for Christ to dwell among them, the visitor stood up, and his appearance began to change. Horrible scars became visible on his hands and on his sandaled feet. Someone from the congregation noticed him and called out, "What happened to you?" The visitor replied, as his hat became a crown of thorns, and a tear fell from his eye, "I took your place."

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How many of us have a special parking place in the parking lot at church, a favorite chair in Sunday School, or a favorite pew to sit in inside the sanctuary? Dave and I have been guilty of all three. It is something I am not proud of and should never feel that anything like a parking space, chair in Sunday School, or a certain pew in the church is mine.

The parking space we like just seems to be the right one for us. The chairs in our Sunday School class room are just like all the others but we like where they are placed. The pew we like just seems to be the right one. There really is nothing special we just like where they are the best.

We would never dream of telling anyone they have taken our place but sometimes me, not Dave as much will get a little irritated when someone takes the pew we always like. Well, it sure doesn't have our name on it but we claim it.

What would you do if someone would say to you "You took my place?" What if by chance that someone you told that to would be Jesus Christ? We do have Someone that took our place years and years ago. That someone was Jesus Christ. Are we eager to say 'thank you' and that 'I love You for taking my place'? I always want to say 'thank you for taking my place' and I want to give Him praise and glory all of the time. Even if I am not in the mood I want to praise Him and give Him glory for every single thing He has done for me and my family. He didn't have to take my place but because of His love for me He chose to give His life for me.

Thank you Jesus, for taking my place on that cross and I love you so much and give you all the glory and praise for your love.

May you always know the love, joy, and peace of the Lord!