One of my
favorite pastimes is shopping, even if it’s just window shopping. Actually,
window shopping may be my favorite kind of shopping because it’s the least
expensive. Often times when I shop for groceries, I buy the store brand instead
of the national brands. The more expensive, national brands are replaceable.
You can substitute the store brand, and it usually is just as good. But, in
this life, there is one thing that there is no substitute for: the precious blood of Jesus. You see, He has
already purchased our redemption with His own blood.
A song says, “No other
blood can heal my broken body, and no other blood could save my sin-sick soul.
No other blood could conquer death and win the victory. No other blood but the
blood Jesus shed for me.” He has already paid the ultimate price and has given each
of us the best gift of all. If there was something in a store that was guaranteed
to make your life happier, more peaceful, more lively would you not want to buy
it? Then, what if you found out that it was free? Would you just leave it in
the store’s window? No way! Why do we do that with the wonderful gifts that God
has given? It begins with redemption. But, it does not end there. Jeremiah
29:11 NIV says, “For I know the plans I have for you,“ declares the Lord, “plans
to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” You
may say, “But, I’ll have to change my life to live in that redemption.” Yes,
your life will change. But, that’s the best part!
