He died for me

Back during the Civil War, a farmer, by the name of Blake was drafted as a soldier. He was deeply concerned about leaving his children. His wife had died and there would be no one to support and take care of them in his absence. 

The day before he was to leave, his neighbor Charlie Durham came to visit him. 

“Blake,” the neighbor said, “I’ve been thinking. You are needed at home so I am going to go in your place.” 

The farmer was so overwhelmed that for the next few moments he was speechless. The offer seemed to good to be true. He grasped the hand of the young man and praised God for this one who was willing to go as his substitute. 

Charlie went to the front line and performed his duties nobly. But sad to say, he was shot and killed at the first battle. When Blake heard the news, he immediately saddled his horse and rode to the battlefield. After searching for some time, he finally found the body of his friend. He arranged to have him buried in the churchyard near the spot where they had often stopped to talk after services. 

On a piece of marble he carved an inscription with his own hands. It was roughly done, but with every blow of the hammer on the chisel fell tears from his own eyes. He placed the marker on the grave of his devoted substitute. Many villagers wept as they read the brief but touching inscription: HE DIED FOR ME.

God’s penalty for sin is death (Romans 6:23), but God, through His love and mercy, allowed another to die in our place. “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son. That whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” (John 3:16) Let us give thanks to God for this unspeakable gift!