You know that from your empty way of life inherited from your ancestors you were ransomed —
not by perishable things like silver or gold, but by precious blood like that of an unblemished and
spotless lamb, namely Christ. -1 Peter 1:18-19 NET
The word ransom communicates a troubling picture of a child being kidnapped and held hostage as parents are forced to pay a ransom for their life. I think that the image works religiously if we see it as a metaphor in which we are held hostage by sin and ransomed by God himself on the cross. Jesus exchanged his earthly life for our freedom.
We who were once kidnapped and held hostage by sin are now free. Fleshly desires and empty living have lost their power over us. Like the kidnapped child we have been returned to the One who loves us and sacrifices greatly for us. It is an inspiring thought. Knowing what our spotless Lamb of God has done for us motivates me to sacrifice for others.
Lamb of God, you take away the sins of the world. Have mercy on us. Teach us to live as ransomed children.
... this devotion is part of my series on the epistles of Peter and biblical words.
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