Consider the Cost

Bible Reading: 1 Peter 1:18-21

“Yum!” Saydie said as her mom set a bowl of bright red strawberries on the table. They had just gotten home from the Fourth of July parade and were enjoying a snack on the patio.

“Can we go see the fireworks tonight?” Lynden asked as he popped a strawberry into his mouth. “And can Zane Gordon come with us?”

“As a matter of fact, we’ve asked Zane’s family to join us for a picnic before the fireworks,” Mom told him.

Dad smiled when Lynden let out a whoop. “I’ve been talking to Mr. Gordon about Jesus lately,” Dad said. “He’s interested, but he says he can’t believe he doesn’t have to do something to earn his way to heaven—he says nothing is free these days. Maybe I’ll get a chance to talk more about it with him tonight.”

“Did you kids enjoy the parade?” Mom asked.

“Yeah!” said Lynden. “When we were waiting in line to get popsicles, we talked to a man in a wheelchair. He was a veteran, and now we appreciate the freedom we have in this country more than we ever did before.”

Saydie nodded. “It never cost us anything, but it cost that man a whole lot.”

“And it cost some people even more—it cost them their lives,” Lynden added.

Dad shook his head. “It’s so easy to take our blessings for granted. We forget that someone paid a big price for them.” He looked at Lynden and smiled. “You’ve given me an idea for helping Mr. Gordon understand salvation.”

Lynden raised his eyebrows. “I have?”

Dad nodded. “Like I said, Mr. Gordon thinks salvation can’t be free—that it should cost something. Maybe I can show him that—like the liberties we enjoy in America—salvation is free to us, but someone paid a big price for it. It cost God the life of His only Son, Jesus. We can enjoy freedom from sin and the privilege of being a child of God because He was willing to pay the price for our salvation.”

“Wow!” said Saydie. “I’m so glad He paid the price so I could be free.”

“Me too,” said Dad. “Let’s pray that we can help the Gordons understand that salvation is free for them too.” – Barbara J. Westberg

How About You?

Do you realize what salvation cost? Jesus had to leave the glories of heaven and live in this sinful world. He had to take the punishment you deserve and suffer and die on a cross—all to pay the price of your salvation. Because He paid that price, salvation is free to you. Accept His gift by trusting in Jesus today! (To learn more, click the “Good News!” button in the right column of this page.)

Today’s Key Verse: 1 Corinthians 6:20 You were bought at a price.

Today’s Key Thought:

Jesus paid for salvation