Anticipation filled the air as the auction began. Everyone gasped as the “merchandise” was brought out. It was a young lady who, despite her youth, seemed beaten down and broken. She was obviously damaged goods, but had some value left. Everyone hoped they could make the winning bid. After all, she owed a debt, and couldn’t pay it.
She was bound by chains and tears flowed from her eyes. Though her face was darkened by despair, she frantically searched the crowd for someone to save her from her misery. Instead, crude comments and sordid accusations added to her pain. Some saw her as an object to be used and passed on. Others scoffed at her misfortune.
The auctioneer highlighted her selling points as the sale began. She is from a good family and has the best education. He asked, “Who will start the bidding?” Unsatisfied with the first bids, he told us she has a wonderful job and lots of money. Everyone loves her and she is a good person. Her one flaw, she was born hopelessly in debt and despite her best efforts, the debt has only increased. Surprisingly high bids came in, but no sale was made.
The frustrated auctioneer finally announced the seller set a minimum price and none of the bids were even close. We waited to hear what it would take to redeem her. He said the buyer had to be debt-free and would have to exchange his life to pay what she owed. If nobody paid up, she would have to pay her own debt and would never be free. The crowd roared in anger over the outrageous price. She wasn’t worth it!
Who would pay such a price? Then a ripple of excitement ran through the crowd. A bid had come in from a well-qualified bidder. The full price had already been paid! The only condition, the debtor had to accept the payment. As the lady mumbled her acceptance, the auctioneer cried sold! She was free! Her chains fell to the floor and despair left her face. Her hands lifted in surrender and tears of joy now ran down her face.
Her joy confused me. Who had paid her debt? Why did he pay such a price for that wretched woman? I discovered the answer was love. “God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life” (John 3:16 KJV). The woman’s debt was sin. JESUS had no sin but died on the cross to pay for the sins of those who will accept Him as their Savior. Now she is free from the law of sin and death. She is free and has every reason to rejoice.
JESUS made the same offer to pay for your sins and mine. I accepted and I am free!
Wayne Lance – That’s Good News to Share!