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On September 25, 2008, father of three, Austin Hemmings of Auckland New Zealand was fatally stabbed after going to the aid of a woman who was being assaulted. Austin, a Christian, stepped in to save the life of a stranger and in doing so gave his own life. In a vastly greater way that’s what Jesus did! He sacrificed His life for the whole world. When we were unable to help ourselves Jesus died in our place so that we might live. Have you received Him as your Saviour. Have you thanked Him for taking your place? —J. Fleming

In his preface to the English Bible of 1535, Miles Coverdale had this to say about studying and understanding the Bible: “It will greatly help you to understand Scripture if you mark not only what is written, but of whom, to whom, with what words, at what time, where, to what intent, with what circumstances, considering that which goes before and that which follows.” What a great deal of misunderstanding of the Bible would have been avoided over the centuries—and still could be avoided—had Coverdale’s words been heeded and applied. —W. Ross Rainey

Jonah was a substitute for a boatland of sailors. He said, “Take me up, and cast me forth into the sea; so shall the sea be calm for you.” Our Saviour is a greater substitute. He died for all mankind. Jonah was a sacrifice that the storm might be appeased; the Lord Jesus was an infinite sacrifice that the wrath of God might be appeased. Jonah was a sufferer, but for his own disobedience; our beloved Lord suffered for the sins of others. Jonah was saved from death by being cast out of the great fish; the Lord Jesus conquered death, never to die again! –J. B. N.

The walk of the Lord was unfailingly fragrant. Every step He took had a sense of purpose and direction. He never faltered, neither did He ever have to retrace a step. We never read of the Saviour running, for He was never late for an appointment. He was not only in the right place but it was always at the right time. His walk took Him to Calvary to die for each one of us. Indeed never man walked like Him. —John M. Clegg

How well David knew his God! He knew God would answer his prayer and help him through the trouble. He knew he could depend on His love and care. We need our times of trouble to teach us that when we call on the Lord, He will answer. Shortly after I read those words trouble came to my life. As I write I have not seen the whole picture, but have perceived again how the Lord is working to make His children more like our Saviour. —M. Robins

If we are tempted to think that God’s commandments are burdensome, we need to assess our love for God. Oswald Chambers said, “To talk about cost when you love someone is an insult.” In other words if we love God, we will not be concerned with what we have given up to obey His commands. The Lord Jesus gives rest, not a burden to those who come to Him (Mt. 11:28), and we know the commands which He gives us are for our good. May we ask God to revitalize our love today such that we eagerly keep His commandments. — M. J. H.

Once our Lord was despised and rejected. But the day is coming, when He will return as King of Kings and Lord of Lords. All the world will come under His sway, and He will reign in righteousness. The reed will be replaced with a rod of iron. The crown of thorns will be replaced with a crown of glory, and the cross will be replaced by the throne. As we look at the moral, spiritual, political and social deterioration in this world, we look forward to that time when He shall reign for ever and ever. —W. H. Burnett

Here is the great Gospel doctrine of substitution. Another Man is wounded for my transgressions. Another Man is bruised for my iniquities. The chastisement due for my peace is laid upon my Substitute and with His stripes I am healed. The grand summary of the verse is, “He was wounded…we are healed”. —Jim Flanigan

God has always desired to be in the centre of His people’s lives. In the garden, the tree of life was in the midst, symbolizing the blessing of a relationship with the Creator (Jn. 17:3; Rev. 2:7). In the desert, God pitched His tent in the middle of the tribes. In the church, the Lord Jesus is in the midst (Mt. 18:20; Rev. 1:13). Sadly, the Laodicean church excluded Him, and thus He stood outside calling to the individual believers that remained to fellowship with Him (Rev. 3:20). Our attention should focus on the One in the midst. —K. R. Keyser

Truth versus Lie is the great battle of the ages. Christ came into the world to testify to the truth. Grace and truth came by Jesus Christ (Jn. 1:17). “We beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth,” (Jn.1:14). Do we know and live daily in the truth? Do we live to testify to the One who is truth? —Donald MacMullen