Priceless

An American tourist in Paris, who purchased an inexpensive amber necklace in a trinket shop, was shocked when he had to pay quite a high duty on it to clear customs in New York. This aroused his curiosity, so he had it appraised.  After looking at the object under a powerful magnifying glass, the jeweler said, “I'll give you $25,000 for it.”  Greatly surprised, the man decided to have another expert jeweler examine it.  When he did, he was offered $10,000 more.

Curiosity got the best of the man, so he asked, “What do you see that's so valuable about this old necklace?”

“Look through the glass,” replied the jeweler.  There before his eyes was an inscription, “From Napoleon Bonaparte to Josephine.”

The value of the necklace came from its identification with a famous person.*

If the value of something is determined by the price someone is willing to pay for it, consider the value of a person who has been bought with the blood of Jesus.  The Apostle Peter reminded some Christians of the price that was paid for their redemption:

“For you know that it was not with perishable things such as silver or gold that you were redeemed from the empty way of life handed down to you from your forefathers, but with the precious blood of Christ, a lamb without blemish or defect.” – 1 Peter 1:18-19 NIV

Because of our sins, we have been marred and destined for destruction (Matthew 7:13-14).  But God loves us so much that He gave His Son to die on the cross for our sins so that we may be washed from our sins, redeemed by His blood, and given the gift of eternal life (John 3:16).

God will redeem from sin “by the blood of the Lamb” those who place their faith and trust in Jesus (Acts 16:30-31), turn from their sins in repentance (Acts 17:30-31), confess Jesus before men (Romans 10:9-10), and are baptized (immersed) into Christ for the forgiveness of their sins (Acts 2:38).  The blood of Jesus will continue to cleanse those who continue to walk in the light of His Word (1 John 1:7).

As Christians, we can identify with a Person far more important than any famous human being in history (1 Timothy 6:13-15).  It is from this union that the Christian finds his or her true identity and worth.  That worth is “priceless” because of the precious Gift that was offered for us.

Won’t YOU “identify” with Christ through your trusting obedience?

-- David A. Sargent

* From www.sermonillustrations.com; “Thank you” to Dawn Sims, secretary for the Creekwood Church of Christ, for discovering this illustration!

David A. Sargent, Minister