Arriving to water aerobics class Tuesday morning, I see a different lifeguard. Sitting in the lifeguard
stand, I see a person that does not inspire confidence. One glance at our
guard, I hope no one in our class will have a medical emergency. Our guard is dressed for a day at the office
instead of guarding a water fitness class. Students over fifty want a guard dressed to
hit the water fast!
Then, Thursday’s exercise class … we had another substitute…
our exercise instructor. Class was so
sad. Everyone wanted our regular instructor.
My class has had other substitute instructors; this particular teacher
was not very good.
Until this week, I have not given substitutes much thought.
Then, this week, I encounter the word every day. When I use food as a substitute to stuff my
anger. Or when a family member
struggles with drug addition as a substitute for peace.
It started with the
BSF Lecture on Monday evening. Patty, our TL used every day events, to point to an important spiritual truth.
Substitutionary
atonement … Holy Week. As Christians, we
celebrate the significance of the suffering sacrifice of Jesus. He was the perfect substitute for the sins of
the world. His life fulfilled every
prophecy. Miracles, teaching, submission, and obedience were hallmarks of His life. Jesus is the Messiah.
“For God so love the world that he gave his one and only son
that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have everlasting life.” John
3:16 (NIV)