THIS WORD CALLED GRACE.(a short story.)

Barabbas turned himself heavily trying to find a more comfortable position.He has been lying flat on his thin mattress for a long time.He passed his hand on his cheeks,they were wet.Wether it was because of tears or sweat he did not know.All he knows is that his life was coming to an end.He stood up and tried to pace around his dark small room,not room really but his cell.
Barabbas was a convicted criminal.He was a notorous criminal who was waiting for his execution.He wasn't going to wait longer though,because it was early hours of Friday night.A friday that many called the good friday.But to him it was the black friday.It was the last night of his life.It was the day of the passover feast and on this day the crowds would demand for one criminal to be released,and another be killed.He knew his fate.No one would want him free.There was no hope that the passover would pass over him.He had maimed many,raped women and children.He had shed innocent blood.
Outside he could hear voices in a distance.The small crowd outside Pontius Pilates'court was getting bigger and bigger every minute.Soon Pilate will enter into the judgement chambers and sit on the judgement sit.The Pharisees and the High priest will all assemble at the court.Then he will be led out to be read his charges for the last time.Then the Pilate will read from the scroll then throw it into the fire.The High Priest will sand up and tear his breastplate and the people will shout in unison"guilty as charged!"after which he will be delivered to the crowd who will lead him for execution.The punishment of a capital offence was death by crucification.That was what was awaiting Barabbas.He felt sorry for himself.But he knew he deserved it.He was worthy of the judgment.
He peeped out from a small crack on the wall of his cell.And behod,preparations were underway.Soon he would be no more.Then he regretted and wished that he could turn the arm of time backwards.He would not become a criminal,a robber.He will be a good person like the one he have been hearing about.One good teacher from Galilee who is teaching people the ways of God.His name is Jesus Christ.
Then that time came.The people became rowdy.They were shouting.He tried to listen to the words but they were carried away by the wind.He listened again as the voices became more louder.He managed to get some words.He heard them shout"BARABBAS!BARABBAS!"Then the words were again lost in the shouting before he heard them again"KILL HIM!AWAY WITH HIM!CRUCIFY HIM...TO GOLGOTHA!"Well,he needed no explanation.It was obvious that the people were baying for his blood.He looked down on himself.He would not escape.His cell had four doors each guarded by four soldiers.Furthermore he was chained from his feet and hands.He was in the convict's uniform.A red overall that covered down to his feet.He wondered how it feels to die.No need though,he would soon know.
He peeped out again and he saw people sorrounding one person."Who is that?"He wondered.Maybe its another criminal who was either going to be killed with him,or a new one who was waiting for him to be taken out so that he could be moved to occupy his cell.It doesnt matter now.There were approaching feet of the soldiers.It was now evident Pilate was already in judgment chambers and he had sent for him.The soldiers came running for the order was urgent.He understood it all.Everybody wanted him dead,so why waste another minute?He imagined the death on the cross.How the pain will be.Oh,if only they could spare him the shame on the cross!He wished they could stone him instead.There was no much time to think.The soldiers unchained his hands and feet then led him out.
As soon as he stepped out he was confused.The people were shouting"Release barabbas!away with Jesus!"Then he realized that the person who was standing on his place at the Judgement seat was Jesus.How can that be!And even more confusing the people wanted him killed.As he was still wondering at this change of events,Jesus turned on his direction and their eyes met.This JESUS was a good looking middle aged man.Slightly tall with a round face and comely by looks.His eyes shone brightly as he smiled knowingly at him.Then he heard a soft voice in his heart as if Jesus was speaking with him.It is grace,the voice said.It is grace that i have come to take your place.I have come to set the captives free.I have come so that you may have that chance of restarting your life again.I have come to take your capital offence of death by the cross.I have come to die on your behalf .I have come that you may be free forever!But Lord,he whispered unaudibly.It is I who have done the wrongs.Its me im condemmned to death.Not you.Im condemned by the prophets and charged by the law.You cant do this Jesus,let me face my wrongdoings.This is the grace of God Barabbas,you take it or leave it.You believe in me and you live or you harden your heart and die in sin.But i have come that as many shall believe will have life,and have it in abundance.Replied Jesus.But Jesus....'What do you want Barabbas?Jesus cut him short.Freedom!he replied.Freedom is just the beggining.Its not everything.You need to focus more.What will you do with freedom?I want you to live for me.I want you to go to the world with my gospel.I want you to give me your life,just as I have given mine for you.'
Those words were so touching in Barabbas heart.He had to believe.Jesus had come to set him free!Then the soldiers made and placed a crown of thorns on Jesus'head.Ouch!Barabbas felt the pain.Then he wondered how he could have felt had he been the one.Jesus was led to the judgment seat on behalf of Barabbas.They read false charges against him and the High priest rent his breastplate before the judgment seat as the crowd shouted"GUILTY AS CHARGED!"And off they led him to Golgotha to crucify him.Barabbas was set free.What would he do with freedom?Jesus died on his stead so he will live for him!Barabbas praised God for extending him a second leaf of life.He was alive again because Jesus died on his behalf.
What would you do if you are Barabass?Good,you have answered right.He wont forget Jesus.He will love him and whatsoever he will want him to do,he will do.You and I are Barabbas.Jesus has come to save us from our sins.He went to the cross for us.You might be struggling today with some bad habits you have tried to change.Maybe you are a drug addict and everybody has given up on you.Maybe you have been condemned by your family or friends.Maybe you are depressed and thinking of committing suicide.Please dont do that.For Jesus came to suffer on your behalf so that you can be free.You can give your life to him today.You can do so by praying this simple prayer.LORD JESUS,I AM A SINNER.I COME TO YOU FOR FORGIVENESS.FORGIVE AND SAVE ME.FROM NOW I BELONG TO YOU.REMOVE MY NAME FROM THE BOOK OF DEATH AND WRITE IT MY NAME IN THE BOOK OF LIFE.THANK YOU JESUS FOR SAVING ME.IN JESUS NAME I PRAY.
Congratulations for taking the step of faith.You have prayed and now you are a new being.Take another step and find a pastor of a church that teaches the bible and believe in the Holy Spirit.Or you can conduct me for more guidance.You can call me on my cell phone+2540727536501.or email me on dicksonperech@yahoo.com
I will be so glad to hear from you.
God bless you in JESUS NAME!