Car Buying

The closer you follow the Lord, the more you’ll appreciate the price of your redemption.

Text for Today – Luke 14:28 – For which of you, intending to build a tower, sitteth not down first, and counteth the cost, whether he have sufficient to finish it?

The first time I bought a car, I was like the phrase I hear so often about folks who are naïve today; “I didn’t have a clue.”  All I could see was myself driving down the road in that beautiful new car with my sweetheart by my side.  Somehow I believe I’m not the only person ever to fit that scenario.  I really didn’t know the cost of owning a car.  And I am convinced that neither do most people even today.  All I saw was the price tag on the car, and the fact that I could drive it off the car lot if I could only afford the monthly payments.  Was I ever in line for an education!  I had not considered the insurance, fuel, regular maintenance, keeping the car clean and looking good, tires when needed, battery when needed, possible breakdowns after the warranty had expired, and so much more. 

Sadly, that is life for too many of us; we don’t stop to count the cost before we take actions that can have incredibly long term consequences.  But this is NOT the case with God.  And I am so very thankful and grateful to my heavenly Father that He is not so inclined.  Here are some thoughts to consider.

1. Consider the price the heavenly Father paid for your redemption.  It cost Him His only begotten Son, in Whom He had invested His entire plan for His man and all eternity.
2. Consider the cost to Jesus. He emptied Himself of divine privilege. He became sin.  He bore all our sickness and disease.  He bore all our torments of mind.  He bore all our bondage.  He was completely cut off from Father God.  He suffered horrible scourgings, beatings, mockings, and tortures.  He carried His own cross.  He was crucified.  He suffered the torments of hell.  He paid the total price for our redemption.

As horrible as that scenario is, the outcome is truly glorious.  You see, our God counted the cost.  And because He, unlike so many of His children, truly counted the cost, you and I are fully redeemed.  We have been bought with a price.  We belong to God, spirit, soul, and body.  He has paid for our full deliverance; He is making no further payments.  He has paid for our eternal maintenance, intending that we always be in great running condition, therefore by His stripes we are healed.  He has paid for all we will ever need in this life; every provision, because He became poor that we might be made rich.  There is nothing left undone.  He plans eternity for us, with NO trade-ins.

Manna for Today – John 3:16-17; Galatians 3:13-29; Isaiah 53:4-5; 1 Peter 2:24; Matthew 8:17