During the presidency of Andrew Jackson, George Wilson, a postal clerk, robbed a federal payroll from a train and in the process killed a guard. The court convicted him and sentenced him to hang. But because of public sentiment against capital punishment, a movement began to secure a presidential pardon for Wilson, and eventually Jackson intervened with a pardon. Amazingly, Wilson refused it.

Since this had never happened before, the Supreme Court was asked to rule on whether someone could refuse a presidential pardon. Chief Justice John Marshall handed down the court’s decision. He said, “A pardon is a parchment whose only value must be determined by the receiver of the pardon. It has no value apart from that which the receiver gives to it. George Wilson has refused to accept the pardon. We cannot conceive why he would do so, but he has. Therefore, George Wilson must die.” George Wilson, as punishment for his crime, was hanged. The Supreme Court declared that pardon must not only be granted, it must be accepted.

Many people in our world today don’t recognize Jesus for who He is. Even though a pardon has been granted, they refuse to accept it. They’ve rejected the idea of Jesus as Lord and Savior. They think Jesus was just a prophet or a good moral teacher, and they ignore His words and His works.

But Jesus is who He said He is - the Son of God. His virgin birth, His miracles, His resurrection and His ascension prove it. Examine His claims for yourself. That's the only way to find out who He really is.

The Sting

A boy and his father were driving down a country road on a beautiful spring afternoon, when a bumblebee flew in the car window. The little boy was allergic to bee stings and was petrified. The father quickly reached out, grabbed the bee, squeezed it in his hand, and then released it. The boy was very scared as it buzzed by him. Once again the father reached out his hand, but this time he pointed to his palm. There stuck in his skin was the stinger of the bee. He said, “Do you see this? You don’t need to be afraid anymore. I’ve taken the sting for you.”

As Christians we don’t need to fear death. Christ has died and risen again. He’s taken the sting from death. We no longer need to fear the grave.

Like the disciples and the thief on the cross who accepted the Lord, I hope words of praise to God are on your lips today. I hope you have recognized you have a need and have asked Christ to save you. Thank Him for what He’s done and give Him the honor due His name.