For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life as a ransom for many. Mark 10:45
It was painful to watch. At my cousin’s “celebration of life,” her husband and grown sons struggled to make sense of “a life taken too soon.” One son sobbed how lost and hopeless his life was without her.
I cried and grieved with our families. We shared memories, and I learned some new stories about my cousin.
As I reflect, I realize her son’s story of being lost and without hope is our story too. Psalm 49 says no one can redeem another or give God a ransom for himself. The redemption of our souls is priceless. No human effort or wealth could purchase it.
Without a Redeemer willing and able to pay the extremely high price to free us from the power of sin and death, we would be lost and hopeless. Jesus Christ triumphed over sin and death at the cross (Rom. 5:17). He gave His life as a ransom for many.
You and I have the freedom to choose life and hope, thanks to Jesus, the Messiah. As that hope grows in my heart, I am with such gratitude. I am grateful for hope and a future (Jer. 29:11). Every day is a blessing. I am grateful for life and peace (Rom. 8:6). Every sunrise is a gift. I am grateful for my family. To love and be loved is a treasure.
This Thanksgiving week I am so filled with thankfulness for the abundant blessings in my life. You, my friend, are near the top of the list. I pray you too are filled with the hope and joy of your salvation this week. Amen.