When Simple Becomes Eye Opening

I love doing word studies as part of digging deeper into God’s Word. One word that has got me lately is the word “ransom.” Guys, this use to be a word that I always read in the scriptures, but never gave much thought. Until now! I have no idea why it seemed to leap off the page at me when I was studying. But I’m so glad it did. Because now it has shed a whole new light on what God did for me.  

We can see the word ransom in Matthew 20:28 – ” Even as the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many.”  In the Merriam-Webster Dictionary, ransom means a consideration paid or demanded for the release of someone or something from captivity, to deliver, especially from sin or its penalty, to free from captivity or punishment by paying a price.

So with that said, whom do we pay a ransom? The person who stole someone or something from you, correct? Bringing this word into scripture context, who is God paying a ransom to and why? Go back to Genesis chapter 3, where the serpent deceived Adam and Eve into eating from the Tree of Knowledge. That day Satan stole God’s children. The ransom he wanted was a very high price to pay. He didn’t want just any ransom. He wanted God’s only begotten Son. Satan wanted to hurt God for good this time. God’s children would be doomed for all eternity if this ransom was not paid.  

Then, of course, the word “redeem” comes into play.  “Redeem” means to buy back, to free from what distresses or harms, to free from consequences of sin, to repair, to restore. No, all of this is not new to me either, but when you put it all into perspective, I get excited!

So, being that a ransom had to be made so that God’s children could be redeemed, God sent His Son to pay the ultimate price for man’s sin. His only begotten Son was subjected to the most severe torture thought possible. Not only did His people reject Him, but He also was put to death by crucifixion. I bet that Satan and all the demons of hell rejoiced to see our Savior dying that day on the cross. Satan thought he had it all figured out. Jesus was finally dead. Satan thought he had won once and for all. But what Satan didn’t know and had not planned for, was that third day! Little did he know that death could never hold God’s Son. For on that third day, Christ arose! On that third day, sin was defeated! On that third day, the chains of sin were loosed. On that third day, my victory was won! 

Guys, any of you who know me know what’s taking place right now as I write these words! Yes, tears are streaming down my face for I am forever changed because of these two words and what they mean. God paid the ultimate price just so we could not only live for all eternality but we could live in this world and not be shackled by chains of sin. I know that sometimes it’s our choice to be bound by sin, but that’s another story for another post. But Christ died so that we wouldn’t have to be.  

For the one who doesn’t know Christ as your personal Savior, you can read and pray a simple prayer to ask Christ into your life. Trust me; it will be the best discussion you will ever make.

For the one who has struggled to be free from the chains that bind, you cry out to your Savior and ask for strength and courage to finally break free. Remember, He’s already paid the price, now it’s up to you to receive it and to be free.