Grace for Speeders

Grace for Speeders

I heard them before I saw them. A couple guys in an ultra-sporty coupe — flashy rims, buzz-saw muffler, and a stereo that rattled the change on my dashboard. They darted in and out of heavy traffic like a bee at a flower show; each blinker-less lane change earning them the scorn of everyone on the highway. Eventually they ignored all the rules and roared away down the emergency lane at 60 mph. Good riddance.

A few minutes later, the despised speedster reappeared... but this time it was pulled over to the side with a set of bright flashing lights parked directly behind it. These are the moments every law-abiding driver dreams about! A state trooper escorted the hooligans from their vehicle to the jubilation of a thousand pairs of passing eyes. Drivers honked and waved sarcastically, basking in gleeful vindication.

Later I thought about that whole scene again. I wondered what kind of person might willingly show compassion at that moment? What kind of person would consider letting those guys off the hook after witnessing their behavior? What kind of person would offer to pay their fine instead of reveling in their downfall? Would anyone ever in a million years stop and climb into the driver’s seat of that car – taking the place of the guilty and enduring the undeserved ridicule and shame?

Jesus would. He did. He does. He willingly took our place at Calvary – and He continues to intercede for us each and every day.

We’ve all been like the driver of that coupe in various ways in our lives. As we prepare for Easter, let’s praise the One who took our place and didn’t just pass us by!

Philippians 2:7-8 – He gave up His divine privileges; He took the humble position of a slave… He humbled himself in obedience to God and died a criminal’s death on a cross.

– Ron Reid

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