Trading Places

Have you ever heard the Yoruba word Àgbàyà?

The word is coined from the two Yoruba words Àgbà meaning old or elder, and ìyà meaning suffering or harm. Àgbàyà means bad elder or one who makes the younger to suffer.

Typically, it's used in situations where an elderly person- or someone who's supposed to know better- takes advantage of a younger person- or someone who's not as knowledgeable.

I'm not exactly proud to say this, but I've been an Àgbàyà before.

But then, this post is coming up as a result of God breathing on that experience for me. So, perhaps it's not exactly a bad thing. Perhaps.

Anyway, it happened years ago. Nine-year old me had gone on a visit to my cousins. We were all joking and playing around when I got in some trouble. I knew one of the adults around would surely punish me for it, so I panicked. I had always been the ‘good girl’ who never caused any problems so I really didn't know how to handle the whole situation.

Just then one of my younger cousins stepped in to ask if she should take the blame for me. To be honest, I was very shocked. Taking the blame for others isn't exactly what people just decide to do, or so thought. I asked about thrice if she was sure, and she responded yes all three times.

This experience has stayed with me since then. Even now, years after, it holds such a deep significance.

It's Jesus offering to take our shame and pains and give us His life. It's Jesus offering to carry your cross for you. It's Jesus saying yes, no matter how many times you ask to make sure.

It's Jesus saying yes to you, now and always.

The icing on top is that surrendering to Jesus and letting Him take the fall for you doesn't make you an Àgbàyà.

I plead with you, don't turn Him down.