Tuesday, July 19, 2011
PRECIOUS PASSAGES FROM FIRST PETER
1 Peter 1:18a-19 Knowing that you were not redeemed with corruptible things, like silver or gold ... but with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot.
WHAT DOES TRUE LOVE COST?
Whether it is the major holidays, summer weddings or anniversary gifts, or just those birthdays that come up so quickly each year, the gifts we give are obvious expressions of our love and care for others. Anyone can spot right away if a gift is cheap or not. How many toys have we bought for our kids that after a day or week or so of playing are broken or worn out? "That was cheap." But I wonder how often we equate the word "cheap" with the word "free?" If it's free, it doesn't seem to matter if it is cheap or not.
Peter was writing to Jewish Christians in Jerusalem because he wanted to both encourage and remind them that the gift that was given to them was not cheap! The Christians in those days faced great persecution in every way possible. The synagogues threw them out, their friends and family disowned them, and they were even being put to death for their faith in Christ. How many of them were tempted to discard the free gift of Christ's love for them? Still today, how often are we tempted even in far less challenges?
How much can I really love something that I got for free? One temptation is not to care about losing it. "Easy come, easy go." But that's the best part about the Gospel isn't it? As I read and hear the Gospel, as in the precious passage above, I am shown that the price for my faith, forgiveness, and eternal life can never be called "cheap." The riches and materials of this world that break and fade I do not trust to last me for eternity.
The blood of Christ, the perfect lamb of God, is the answer to the question, "What does true love cost?" Christ's self-less sacrifice was the greatest gift and the greatest example of love that could ever be given or demonstrated. Jesus teaches me what real love truly costs. Self-sacrifice. May He help me to show THIS love not only to Him, but to everyone!
