Message Minute (Redemption Always Costs Something)

"He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all—how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things?" - Romans 8:32

When a kinsman redeemer rescued someone in biblical times, he had to pay the full debt. If someone was enslaved, he paid their price. If family land was lost, he bought it back at market value. Redemption was never free for the redeemer, even though it was free for the redeemed.

So what did it cost God to redeem you from your pit? It cost Him His Son. God didn't send an angel or hire a consultant. He sent His own Son to pay the price for your redemption. Jesus descended into the deepest pit possible - spiritual separation from the Father - so you could be lifted out of yours.

On the cross, when Jesus cried "My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?" He was experiencing the pit of God's wrath against sin so you would never have to. He experienced ultimate darkness so you could walk in light. He was forsaken so you could be forgiven.

When Jesus said "It is finished," He announced that the full price had been paid. Your redemption is complete. The deeper the pit, the higher the price - and Jesus was willing to pay it all.

Reflection Question: How does knowing the cost of your redemption - Jesus' life - affect how you view your worth and God's love?

Prayer: Jesus, I'm overwhelmed that You paid such a high price for my freedom. Help me to never take Your sacrifice lightly. When I feel worthless, remind me that You considered me worth dying for.