P.T. Forsyth told of a guerrilla leader called Schamyl, who heroically led tribes in the Caucuses in the struggle to throw off their Russian overlords. It became clear at one point that all Schamyl’s secret strategies were being leaked to the enemy. There was a spy amongst them. Schamyl issued an order that any such traitor would be unmercifully scourged to within an inch of his life. A trap was set, the betrayer was discovered. It was Schamyl’s mother!! For two days he wrestled with his problem. He loved his mother, even as treacherous as she was. He also loved his men, loyal as they were. He emerged haggard and sleepless, commanded his men to prepare the whipping stake and the lashes, then ordered them to strip him and tie him to the post and scourge him. His weeping men did so. He loved both his men and his mother so much that only in taking the punishment himself could there be any hope of settling the matter. But it would only be truly settled if and when his mother broke down in repentance and asked for his forgiveness.
This is from Romans 3, and it takes some concentration: All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus. Romans 3: 23-24
A Prayer: In my place, condemned he stood, sealed my pardon with his blood.
Hallelujah – What a saviour!
Now read Romans 3: 20-26