In just a few short days “Holy Week “or as it is known by some “Passion Week” will be upon us. This is the time when Christians reflect more deeply on the truths regarding the death and resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ. Though there are many appropriate Biblical texts that we could meditate on during this time of year, I would like to share from two that are found in the epistle of 1 Peter.
In 1 Peter 1:18-19 we read, “Knowing that you were not redeemed with corruptible things, like silver or gold, from your aimless conduct received by tradition from your fathers, but with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot.” These verses speak to me more than any others in the New Testament regarding the price that was paid to set me free from my sin and its consequences. They tell me what I cost God. They demonstrate for me my worth in the eyes of the Creator of the universe.
The verses are clear as to what couldn’t purchase my freedom. This world’s most valuable commodities couldn’t secure my freedom. The currencies of this planet have no value in the spiritual marketplace. In that marketplace, as a slave to sin, I was for sale. I was desperate, but I brought no resources to bid with. I was bankrupt.
Along came my loving Father from whom I was estranged. He paid the highest of possible prices for me. He gave the precious blood of the sinless, spotless Lamb of God -- the Passover Lamb. That Lamb, of course, was His Son and our Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ.
This tremendous sacrifice was never intended to cause me to feel guilty. It, in fact, was designed to deliver me from guilt. My mediation on this great truth should cause a huge eruption in my soul. I am loved beyond my wildest dreams. The worth of God’s Son to the Father cannot be fully calculated. The cost of my redemption is beyond measure. My value in the eyes of my Lord is above comprehension.
The second text is 1 Peter 1:3-4 where we read, “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His abundant mercy has begotten us again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to an inheritance incorruptible and undefiled and that does not fade away, reserved in heaven for you.”
These verses speak loudly to me regarding purpose. They give a perspective on life that is practical and dynamic. They give me hope to keep going.
Based solely on God’s mercy and through nothing that I have done, I have been given a new life. This new life is described as a living hope. It is not a hope only reserved for later times, but a hope that works in the here and now. It is a living hope, not a hope waiting for my death.
This new life is given through the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Perhaps Peter has in mind the words of Jesus in John 14:19 when he said, “Because I live, you shall live also.” As he wrote these words, he may have been remembering His own failings, bitter defeat, and the second chance he experienced at the feet of the resurrected Christ. In any case, this hope gives me a reason to live. It gives me the ability to keep going no matter how many times I mess up or how bad I falter. The risen Christ is with me each step of the way.
Let me encourage you right now to take a few moments to personally meditate on these two sets of Bible verses. Re-read them and think about what they are saying to us. In the next week or so be sure to give yourself time to reflect on the price God paid for us and the purpose He now has for all of us through the Lord Jesus Christ. Hallelujah, what a Savior. Hallelujah, Christ is risen.
Dave Watson, An Urban Christian
