This Day in History: 0000-02-22

February 22

1 Peter 1:17-20 – And remember that the Heavenly Father to whom you pray has no favorites. He will judge or reward you according to what you do. So you must live in reverent fear of Him during your time her as “temporary residents.” For you know that God paid a ransom to save you from the empty life you inherited from your ancestors. And it was not paid with mere gold or silver, which lose their value. It was the precious blood of Christ, the sinless, spotless Lamb of God. God chose Him as your ransom long before the world began, but now in these last days He has been revealed for your sake. 

I can’t help but think about those words, “the empty life you inherited from your ancestors.” What an accurate picture they paint of life here on earth apart from God. Hollow. Meaningless. Unsatisfying.  

We all were born into a state of slavery to sin. We were helpless to escape it because there is no way to earn the payment for freedom when you are a slave. We belonged to sin, and you can’t pay your master from what already belongs to him. 

But our ransom WAS paid. 

Oh friends, the price was so high! If you ever feel worthless, I want you to think of what it cost the Creator of the Universe to set you free! There was no amount of gold, or silver, or any other commodity valued here on earth that would have been sufficient. Your value was far too great for that. Your freedom required the blood of the sinless, spotless, Lamb of God. And He willingly gave it. 

May we live our lives in reverent fear and awe! We did not deserve it. And yet it was freely given. Praise His holy Name!