Posted July 30, 2026

Remember back in the day, as kids, when you spent the day at Big Mama’s and Papa’s house? You knew to be on your best behavior because if anyone did something wrong, Somebody was gonna get it. There was always One in the bunch who was going to challenge the rules, be curious, and get everybody in trouble. And if that person didn’t own up to it, Everybody got punished! Everybody got a “spanking” (that’s what we’ll call it!). Somebody was gonna Have to get a spanking. When something disturbed Big Mama‘s rules or Papa’s peace, somebody was gonna get it. A switch, a flyswatter, a belt, was coming out before Big Mama or Papa could move on. Do you remember the Fear you felt when you heard the Call, when somebody got Everybody in trouble?

When Big Mama or Papa’s anger was stirred up because you did something you were told not to do, or you didn't do something you were told to do, You had to learn the consequences for being disobedient. Somebody was going to be punished to satisfy the anger your misbehavior stirred up. There was a "lesson" in the "spanking", for Your good……… (Selah!)

Was there ever a time when you let someone else take the blame for your disobedience? Were you the one who let everyone be punished when You were the guilty one? Or, did you ever Step up and say “It was me?” Rules are for our good. Children are not expected to get everything right every time. Today, as children and as adults, we still can never get everything right in life. We mess up when we try to live by the original “Rules” of conduct from God, the Ten Commandments. Aren’t you glad, when we “miss the mark” in how we behave or treat others or even how we treat God, He has already been satisfied for what we don’t get right? He has already handed out a “beating”, a punishment, once and for all, for disobedience (sin). God’s Son the Lord Jesus Christ who did No wrong, took a beating to satisfy a Holy God’s anger towards our sins – past, present and future. Aren’t you glad that our Big Brother did that for us? Jesus Christ, who always did what His father told Him, never rebelled or sinned against God, but He willingly hung on a cross and willingly took the beating that We deserved. He loves you even more than your family or your friend, who were not guilty but stepped up in your place when you were guilty.  

Are you grateful? When you don’t get everything right, the beating “somebody” was gonna have to get, was exhausted on God’s beloved Son. When we believe and receive the Lord Jesus and His sacrifice for our sins, we understand the greatness of the gift of Grace. God is not a tyrant, although the Enemy wants people to look at Him that way. God is not someone who’s always ready to “spank” you, always ready to find fault in you, always critical of you. God is Love, and He wants us to enjoy life but not destroy ourselves. It is people who want to have everything their way. When we mess up, it’s usually not a surprise to us. Disobedience usually plays a part. Most people who shy away from the Lord share the same excuse; “I’m not ready yet!” God is not looking to be a terror in our life. He has provided forgiveness and grace through our Savior Jesus Christ. The punishment for sin has already happened. When we don’t get everything right, Jesus is there for us to run to, not run from. That’s the Good News the Gospel of Jesus Christ, who is our big brother, our Savior, our High Priest.