The substitute - All The Good Seed Daily Devotionals for 2026

Christ died for us.

Christ died for our sins.
Romans 5:8; 1 Corinthians 15:3.

The substitute
In 1848 the kingdom of Sardinia-Piedmont stood at the head of the movement for the unification of Italy. Austrian rule was to be conquered by a military campaign. The government of Piedmont mobilised 100,000 men. Many young adults were snatched from their homes and confronted with the distress and dangers of warfare.

Young Caesar Manati had just married. He, too, was conscripted and could not refuse to serve.

Carlo Donaldi, on the other hand, one of Caesar's cousins, was not called up for military service. He accompanied his cousin to the assembly-point. On then way they suddenly stopped. Carlo said, "Caesar, your worries affect me. Give me your uniform. I'll take your place. Should I die, then remember that I loved you."

Carlo carried out his idea. He entered the army, fought and fell! On his gravestone Carlo had the following inscription engraved:

Caesar Manato, saved from military service

by his substitute Carlo Donaldi.

Caesar will not be called up for armed service again. Carlo fulfilled the demands of the law for him.

The principle of substitution can be found in the Bible, too. Jesus Christ bore the punishment for the sins of all who believe on Him as their substitute on the cross of Calvary. He fulfilled what God's righteousness demanded once and for all time. God can therefore forgive all who put their faith in Christ and His work of redemption. Their affair with God has been settled for ever.

Today's reading: Jeremiah 50:1-28 · Romans 14:13-23