Kidnapped!

Have you ever wondered what it would be like to be kidnapped…by pirates? Did you know that still happens?

For example, in October 2009, Paul and Rachel Chandler, a couple from Britain, were sailing off the coast of Africa when their yacht was seized by Somali pirates who took them hostage. The pirates demanded seven million dollars to release the couple, but the British government refused to pay! They said they don’t negotiate with pirates.

Can you imagine how scared the Chandlers were? Who would come and save them?

Did you know that when you break God’s law and sin, it’s like being kidnapped and held hostage? But who will save you? The Apostle Paul wrote:

But now, apart from the law, the righteousness of God has been revealed, attested by the Law and the Prophets. The righteousness of God is through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe, since there is no distinction. For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God; they are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus (Rom 3:21-24).

Redemption. That means being freed.

After 388 days in captivity, friends and family go together enough money to pay the pirates to release the Chandlers.

But who will come and pay your ransom?

Jesus! That’s one way of picturing salvation: as redemption.

Even though you sinned and put yourself in the situation of becoming a hostage, Jesus came to rescue you. Only He didn’t do it with money. No, freeing you from sin would take more than that. Jesus paid your ransom with His own life. He loved you so much that He died for you on the cross, paying your ransom so you could be freed.

Jesus gave His life for you because your life is important to Him.

Send your questions or comments to Shawn.