I heard a testimony today where a father was speaking about a time when he found out his daughter was diagnosed with cancer. The Lord said to him, “If you as… [her] earthly father could take her place you would.” The father responded, “Absolutely.” God then said to this earthly father, “You can’t. I can. And I did.” *

I was reminded of this scripture.

But God shows and clearly proves His [own] love for us by the fact that while we were still sinners, Christ (the Messiah, the Anointed One) died for us. (Romans 5:8, Amplified)

He died for us. That one little three letter word seems so powerful today. He died for us.

When’s the last time you looked that word up in the dictionary. It’s a little word we might be tempted to read over. We’ve heard it. We’ve seen it. We know what it means. But have you thought about it lately.

Here are some definitions from my American Dictionary of the English Language by Noah Webster 1828.

For: in the place of; as a substitute; instead of.

He died for us. He died in our place. He died as our substitute. As a well-known Christian song says, “I should have been crucified. I should have suffered and died.” But He died instead of you and me.

…it is expedient for us, that one man should die for the people… (Johm 11:50, KJV)

…it is expedient and better for your own welfare that one man should die on behalf of the people… (John 11:50, Amplified)

For Christ also hath once suffered for sins, the just for the unjust, that he might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh, but quickened by the Spirit. (1 Peter 3:18, KJV)

But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities; the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed. (Isaiah 53:5, KJV)

He took it all upon Himself for us. On our behalf. So we wouldn’t have to. Our sins, our sicknesses. (1 Peter 2:24, Psalm 103:3)

That three letter word has other meanings too.

For: in favor of; on the part or side of; towards or inclined to. (Webster’s 1828)

What then shall we say to [all] this? If God is for us, who [can be] against us? [Who can be our foe, if God is on our side?] (Romans 8:31, Amplified)

You need no further proof that God is for you than the fact that He sent His Son to die for you. Selah.

One last definition for this amazing little word.

For: because. (Webster’s 1828)

Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross… (Hebrews 11:2, KJV)

He is for you. He did what He did for you. He died for you. Selah.

(* The testimony quoted above is an actual testimony of healing taken from the healing resource “Healing & Wellness: Your 10-Day Spiritual Action Plan” by Kenneth & Gloria Copeland)