Words from our founder: Jesus, your friend

VOM founder Richard Wurmbrand
spent 14 years in prison for his faith.

A story is told of two brothers who once lived completely opposite lives. The older was a God-fearing man, good to everyone. The younger was rebellious, even violent. The older brother tried to influence him, but in vain.

One evening, while the older sat quietly in his home, the brother stormed in with blood on his clothes, shouting, “Save me if you can! I have killed a man and the police are after me!”

The other replied, “Quick! Let’s change clothes.”

They did so. The murderer donned the white garment, and the innocent put on the blood-stained one.

Scarcely had they finished when the police arrived. Seeing the older brother in bloody clothes, they knew they had found the man and dragged him from his home. They had no doubt that he was the one they sought.

Brought to court, the accused admitted his guilt. The judge bowed to what seemed clear evidence and sentenced him to death.

He had one last wish: “At the moment of my execution, please give my brother this letter.” His wish was granted.

Later, when the brother opened the letter, he read: “I died in your place, in your bloody garment, for your guilt. I was happy to make this sacrifice for you and ask only one thing, that you live a life of love and goodness.”

The innocent was dead. Nothing could change that fact. But as often as former comrades asked the younger to participate in an act of violence, he replied, “I cannot do it in the white garment I received from the brother who died for me.”

This is exactly what Jesus did for each one of us. He Himself was without sin. But He took upon Himself the sins of us all and bore our punishment as He expired on the cross. His blood can cleanse you from all of your sins, just as He cleansed me from mine. Believe in Him and you will be saved from hate and despair. He will make you a child of God who will spread love and light.

So says God in His holy book, the Bible.

Excerpted from Richard Wurmbrand’s book, Jesus, Friend to Terrorists. You can purchase this book by contacting our office or by ordering online.

The Voice of the Martyrs was founded in the mid-1960s by Pastor Richard Wurmbrand, who was imprisoned and tortured by Communist authorities in his native Romania for 14 years. While still in prison, Pastor Wurmbrand envisioned a ministry that would focus on the plight of the persecuted Church, raise a voice on their behalf, and provide encouragement and assistance to them. For more information, please visit our website.