A Priceless Ransom

“Truly no man can ransom another,
    or give to God the price of his life,
for the ransom of their life is costly
    and can never suffice,
that he should live on forever
    and never see the pit.

For he sees that even the wise die;
    the fool and the stupid alike must perish
    and leave their wealth to others…
Man in his pomp will not remain;
    he is like the beasts that perish.

This is the path of those who have foolish confidence;
    yet after them people approve of their boasts.
Like sheep they are appointed for Sheol;
    death shall be their shepherd…
    Their form shall be consumed in Sheol, with no place to dwell.” Psalm 49:7-10,12-14

“The Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.” Mark 10:45

“I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.” John 10:11

“There is one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus, who gave himself as a ransom for all.” 1 Timothy 2:5-6

Nobility is measured in various ways by the sin-stained heart of man, but none can touch the magnitude of Christ’s perfection. The concept of sacrifice is limited by the scope of our imagination. The deepest human love is expressed in giving life for life, yet even here that simply extends the numbered days of the one saved until death. While each is infinitely valuable in God’s eyes, none can truly, fully ransom the life of another because the cost cannot be borne. No natural man who bears his own such burden can pay for the foolishness, greed, and arrogance of another. Only the righteous One can fully incur and crucify the countless sin of man’s depravity and the impossible burden of penalty deserved. (John 15:13; Romans 5:7-10; 1 John 3:16)

Man’s temptation is to attempt to earn salvation, pay what we can in duty, donation, or lip-service to secure a way to a god made in our image. Naively unaware of how deep our sin stain goes, we make shallow sacrifices without concept of true cost. Calloused hearts disregard Jesus on the cross.

When will we awaken to our pomposity? What will we give, how will we honor this worthy unblemished Lamb who fully paid our ransom? (Matthew 27:27-30; John 19:5-6)

“How deep the Father’s love for us,
How vast beyond all measure,
That He should give His only Son
To make a wretch His treasure.
How great the pain of searing loss –
The Father turns His face away,
As wounds which mar the Chosen One
Bring many sons to glory.

Behold the man upon a cross,
My sin upon His shoulders;
Ashamed, I hear my mocking voice
Call out among the scoffers.
It was my sin that held Him there
Until it was accomplished;
His dying breath has brought me life –
I know that it is finished.

I will not boast in anything,
No gifts, no power, no wisdom;
But I will boast in Jesus Christ,
His death and resurrection.
Why should I gain from His reward?
I cannot give an answer;
But this I know with all my heart –
His wounds have paid my ransom.” Stuart Townend (1995)

Loving Savior, in gratitude for Your costly ransom paid, take my life and spend me as You will, for Your renown and glory.