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"God made Him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in Him we might become the righteousness of God" (2 Corinthians 5:21).


Yesterday we mentioned a church sign we had seen near Hershey. These signs that convey thought-provoking messages always capture our attention, particularly those of spiritual significance. We have often referred to them in this series and have periodically posted a photo. These brief, thought-stimulating messages are on church signs, barns, silos and small road signs as we travel about our region.

We passed a church sign that read, "SIN IS THE DISEASE FOR WHICH CHRIST IS THE CURE." I memorized the saying years ago and continue to reflect on this simple, yet profound expression of truth.

Sin's disease is epidemic. It afflicts regardless of race, gender, income, nationality, or religion. It's rural, urban and suburban. It varies in degree and symptoms. Some show little outward signs of the affliction raging inside, others are quite visible.

This morning we spent several hours in the city. Our van was being repaired and rather than take both our vehicles into the city we made chaplain calls by walking to our destinations. The mechanic who gave our van a mechanical facelift is Justin, a young Christian man, whose wedding ceremony I participated in last year.

While we waited for the work to be done we walked up to Lancaster General to make a hospital call and then just moseyed through the city of Lancaster. Lancaster is certainly not a large city but we saw plenty of evidence of sin's disease; a mentally ill homeless man loudly rambling on about something (although now sometimes people with cell phones with Bluetooth can sound the same way), a young lady begging for her next fix, what appeared to be a drug sale transaction taking place (one block from the police station). We also saw the increasing bizarre expressions of sexual deviation.

We are all afflicted with a deadly spiritual disease. The Bible says "All have sinned and come short of the glory of God" (Romans 3:23) and "the wages of sin is death" (Romans 6:23).  In fact the apostle Paul describes our condition before spiritual conversion in Christ as being "dead in transgressions and sins" (Ephesians 2:1).

However most live oblivious to this disease and its horrible consequences. But we see the effects of sin all around us from the city to the ongoing turmoil in the Middle East, Venezuela and scores of other places full circle back to our own personal troubles and need. Indeed the human race is diseased, but the great message of Scripture and the Gospel in expressing God's redemptive plan is that there is a cure and the daily verse succinctly expresses this.

This weekend as we enter into Holy Week and especially consider the work of Christ on our behalf let us rejoice and express deep gratitude that "God made Him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in Him we might become the righteousness of God."


Be encouraged today,


Stephen & Brooksyne Weber

Daily prayer: Father, You made Jesus who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in Him we might become the righteousness of God. Nothing within ourselves or our works could elevate us to such a lofty position nor could it open the door to salvation or obtain for us the eternal dwelling Jesus is preparing for all who follow Him. All our soul's diseases are submerged in the life giving blood of the Lamb who was slain once and for all for our sins. We thank You for breaking the chains that bound us to an evil taskmaster and setting us free to live an abundant life here and now and even more fully in the hereafter. we thank You for Christ who made it all possible. It is in His name that we pray. Amen.

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Yesterday we attended an interesting birthday party for Gene, who works in one of our companies. Now, having a birthday anniversary is not all that unusual. After all we all have one each year! But Gene turned 90 today and still works 16 hours a week and would probably work more if his company had a five day work week! He is a World War 2 veteran having served on the aircraft carrier USS Wasp. He has some very interesting war stories. We wonder how many WW2 veterans are still working? Do you know of any? Gene is a friendly, spry man with a happy smile such as seen above.


Last night I went with several friends to a banquet sponsored by Associates For Biblical Research (ABR), a ministry committed to the integrity and trustworthiness of the Bible. Their major focus is archaeology and we heard reports of recent archaeological evidence for the Bible. We also heard a message from Gary Bates who leads a ministry affirming the Genesis Creation account called Creation Ministries. Open this site for a short video by Gary or watch it here.



Brooksyne's note: This Sunday I will have the privilege of leading our congregation in worship and prepared a dramatic Palm Sunday Scripture reading that we share with our readers who may be able to use it. (pdf)  We will also be singing the song, "The Power of The Cross"  Video   by Kristyn Getty.   This version includes the moving lyrics that  tell of the crucifixion story and the tremendous sacrifice Christ made on our behalf to provide for us His glorious redemption. Well worth your listen (at least once)!"God made Him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in Him we might become the righteousness of God" (2 Corinthians 5:21).

"No Not One"  Video  Lenny LeBlanc