Thursday, April 16, 2026

Scripture

“You know that you were ransomed from the futile ways inherited from your ancestors, not with perishable things like silver or gold, but with the precious blood of Christ, like that of a lamb without defect or blemish.” 1 Peter 1:18-19

Reflections

To ransom means to buy back.  People are held hostage for ransom.  Large sums of money are paid to get them back.  Why are such large amounts paid?  Because the one held hostage is of great value to them.

Each of us are held hostage.  We are in hostage to sin.  No matter how hard we try, we cannot free ourselves.  There’s no escape.  We are left at the mercy of someone else to pay the ransom to free us.

Some suggest that we human beings are worthless sinners.  If that were the case, why did Jesus die for us?  A price has been paid.  Like the perfect lamb that was slain when the people of Israel were freed from slavery in Egypt, our Lord God sacrificed Jesus on the cross in order that we might be freed.  If we were that worthless, our heavenly Father would have never paid a price that great to get us back.

Our heavenly Father created us.  When we turn from him, he feels a great loss.  In Jesus, we see he’s willing to pay any price to get us back.  That’s how much we’re worth to Him.

There is no doubt how much each of us are valued and loved by God.

Prayer

Heavenly Father, thank you for your great love for me and ransoming me through Jesus.  May I live that same kind of love for others this day.  In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Full Reading: 1 Peter 1:17-23