And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. (v. 12)
IN OUR PLACE
I don’t know who wrote this little story. I first read it in a newsletter published by our synod’s Women of the ELCA. I shared it with members of our Reformation WELCA Board at a recent meeting, and they encouraged me to share it with you.
One day, a man went to visit a church. He got there early, parked his car, and got out. Another car pulled up. The driver got out and said, with an edge to his voice, "Hey, buddy. That’s where I always park. You took my place!"
The visitor was surprised at this outburst but went on into the building for Sunday School. He entered the parish hall and sat in an empty chair. A middle-aged woman spoke sharply, "Don’t you see my purse on the table there? You took my place!"
The visitor was hurt by this rudeness but still said nothing. Then it came time for worship in the sanctuary. He sat down in a pew near the front. A member saw him sitting there and said in no uncertain terms, "That is my pew. That’s where my family always sits. You took my place!" Still the visitor said nothing.
Later, as the congregation prayed for Christ to dwell among them, the visitor’s appearance began to change. Scars became visible on his hands. Blood dripped from his body. Someone in the congregation noticed and called out, "What’s happened to you?"
As his hat became a crown of thorns and his blood turned into tears, the visitor replied:
"I took your place."
Dear Jesus, how great is our debt to you, you who took our place. Forgive us our sins, and teach us to forgive those who sin against us.
Dallas Cronk
