https://odb.org/2026/02/10/the-exchange
Romans 6:4–12 (NIV): 4 We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life.
5 For if we have been united with him in a death like his, we will certainly also be united with him in a resurrection like his. 6 For we know that our old self was crucified with him so that the body ruled by sin might be done away with, that we should no longer be slaves to sin—7 because anyone who has died has been set free from sin.
8 Now if we died with Christ, we believe that we will also live with him. 9 For we know that since Christ was raised from the dead, he cannot die again; death no longer has mastery over him. 10 The death he died, he died to sin once for all; but the life he lives, he lives to God.
11 In the same way, count yourselves dead to sin but alive to God in Christ Jesus. 12 Therefore do not let sin reign in your mortal body so that you obey its evil desires.
Elijah had accidentally ripped a ten-dollar bill while playing with his friends. But instead of admonishing him, his father offered to exchange the torn bill with a fresh one from his wallet. “Why would you do that?” Elijah asked, confused. “For one, you’re my son,” his father explained. “It’s also a reminder of what Jesus did for us. Because Jesus came and gave His life in exchange for ours, we can now live new lives.” (Jasmine Goh, Our Daily Bread 10th February 2026)
If someone accidentally ripped a RM50 bill, you’d not likely take out a RM50 note from your own wallet and replace it for him. But you would possibly do it if it’s your own son. Why? Because you’ll always want the best for your children. Parents tend to overcompensate as the day will come when our babies will not need us anymore. So you’ll want to give them what you can while you still can. For example, once retired you’ll be more careful with money as you will not likely have a continued source of income. The love parents have for their own flesh and blood is total, complete and unlimited.
I’ll say that it’s not the best illustration but nevertheless a good one on what it means to have Jesus having died for our sins. There was no need for Jesus to die for our sins. He could have remained in heaven. He could have just chilled and watched as the world went by. With only a bunch of Jews, numbering maybe a few million, trying their best to follow the law and sacrificing an unblemished lamb once a year at the Temple in atonement of their sins. Justification by the law is, of course, tough, in fact, quite impossible. Thus the sacrifice. But atonement is a regular affair. It has to be repeated every year. Moreover it was only for a few million souls, not the millions out there, throughout generations.
That is why God sent His one and only Son to the world so that we may not perish but have everlasting life as per John 3:16. Christ became that Lamb of God to take away the sins of mankind. To atone and to redeem once and for all the sins of humankind. Did He need to do it? No! But He chose to because He loved us. We are all God’s beloved children. The LORD God sacrificed His first born for the sake of our souls.
I think the message this morning is not so much the message of salvation. That we all know so well. But more that we should hold on lightly to material things. Helping someone in need can sometimes be a turning point for that person. Even if he or she is not our child, we should still help as it would mean much to that person. Always remember, when we die, we will bring nothing over except our memories and experiences and that include our service and good deeds. Do good and be kind. Build up our treasures in heaven, whenever we could. Don’t be afraid to lose material things. As we help others, we are building up our riches in heaven! Amen!
Ronnie's Thoughts 