Grand Sweep Daily
Isaiah 52:3 (NIV)
3 For this is what the Lord says:
“You were sold for nothing, and without money you will be redeemed.”
Good morning!
Have you ever noticed how our culture thrives upon placing some sort of monetary value upon the things we enjoy in life? The homes we purchase are appraised, and an assigned dollar value is placed upon the size and condition of the structure and the property upon which it sits. When we purchase fine jewelry, the precious gem and its setting is appraised by a jeweler. A personal articles policy is then purchased to guard its value against future damage or loss. We buy an automobile at the sticker price, only to watch it significantly decrease in value the minute we drive it off the lot. If it is worth less (worthless) in the marketplace, does that car mean any less to its proud owner?
People love to get a good deal. Finding “something for nothing” seems to be the bragging rights of shoppers who love to shop flea markets, garage sales, and thrift stores. The thrill of saving a buck is a way of life for most of us. How much value do you place upon the things that surround you in your life? There is nothing wrong with being frugal, and I think it is important for each of us to pay close attention to how we spend the dollars we earn each week. The question I’m asking is not about how we shop or the deals we make, it is simply about the value we place upon the things that really matter.
Sometimes, when I read the beautiful poetic words of the prophet Isaiah, I wonder how much of it he understood. He was speaking from his heart, and the Lord of life was filling him with an amazing message that cries out for repentance and belief. He proclaims hope to a world that desperately needs it. Where kings and rulers did not treasure their people, the voice of the prophet continues to cry, “You are valued to God. You are important. You may be sold for nothing into slavery and torment; yet I will redeem you and I will do it without money.”
Sometimes we miss the beauty of one precious soul when we devalue a culture or society as a whole. We cannot see the intrinsic worth of one precious soul. Yet, God has placed a great value upon you and me. He sees you as a precious jewel, someone worth dying to save. A heavy price was paid for your redemption, and the cost was greater than all the riches this world has to offer. Jesus Christ was coming. Isaiah knew it. He could feel it in his bones. And he spoke of the one who would come to redeem us. He would pay the ultimate price for my life, for your life, for all of His children who longed for freedom.
Does your heart ache today? Do you feel worthless and devalued? Read the words of Isaiah this morning and be comforted! You may have been sold out by a parent, a grandparent, a spouse, a child, a co-worker, a neighbor, or your very best friend. Isaiah is here to tell you to look up! You are not worthless to the Lord. Jesus came here just to redeem you. If you had been the only one left standing on the face of the earth, He would have sacrificed it all just to get you back. You are worth so much more than any dollar amount on a piece of paper. He sees your heart and loves you right where you are today.
Giving your heart to Jesus is the best deal you will ever make. The gift of salvation is free to you today, but it came at a great price. When you meet Jesus Christ up close and personal, you will begin to discover just how valued and loved you are. Aren’t you glad that the Lord of life has no intention of trading you in for a newer model? Cry out to Jesus Christ today and live!
Grace and peace,
Deb Spaulding
Pray for: the assurance that you know beyond a doubt who much you are worth to the Lord. His certificate of redemption was written in blood upon the cross of
I will be at the Missouri Area School of Lay Speaking in
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