ransom

"a consideration paid or demanded for the release of someone or something from captivity" (Internet, Merriam Webster, 2009).

Nothing in life is free. A payment must be made.

I learned years ago of a distant relative named Ransom Adams. He was one of those great, greeaaa...(you get the idea). I always liked the name Ransom. I've kept it hidden in my heart with the intent of naming my son after him. (Oh son, are you out there? What must I pay to have you?)

Nothing in life is free. There is a price.

My next door neighbor started a business. The price for starting it? Tens of thousands of dollars in equipment! His entrepreneurial spirit invigorates me. He reminds me of myself in those early years of ministry.

Nothing in life is free. There is a cost.

You know what's really cool? The cost of giving something away. The cost of going without so someone can go with. That's cool. It's hard, not at all easy, but totally wonderful. Isn't that what Jesus did? He gave up His life to give life. "Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ, who gave himself for our sins to rescue us..." (NIV, Galatians 1:4).

Jesus was a ransom. He paid a costly price to release people from captivity. Psalm 49:8 reads, "...the ransom for a life is costly, no payment (earthly wealth) is ever enough" (NIV). And 1 Timothy 2:6 instructs us that Jesus, "gave Himself as a ransom for all men" (NIV).

Cash money cannot free you from the heartache and daily regret and pain you live with. Jesus is the currency you need. The payment for sin is death. And He paid that amount through His death on the cross to set people free.

Nothing in life is free. But the cost freedom requires is worth it.

Operating a free cafe has a price. Payments must be made. Are you willing to go without so someone can go with?

UPCOMING EVENTS

• INFO MEETING:  Sunday October 18, 2009 from 2pm-5pm at Harvest Presbyterian Church.
• CAFE FUNDRAISER:  Saturday November 14, 2009 from 6pm-9pm.