Isaiah 43:1
But now the Lord who created you, O Israel, says: Don’t be afraid, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name; you are mine!
Nearly a year ago, I drove to the dog rescue place and picked out "Loki". Yes, he was "locked in", unwanted and unhappy. It seemed that he had led a chequered existence, had a few homes, been on the streets and now was stuck in a cage, waiting to be rescued.
We met, went for a walk. He seemed to understand that I would look after him and trusted me.
I paid a price for him and signed that he was now my dog and would always take care of him.
I changed his name, gave him a new collar, a new place to live, new kind of food and, most of all, lots of love.
At first he was aloof and suspicious of new people, but now, to us, he's a cuddle bunny, and more accepting of our friends when they visit.
He's allowed to be close to us, much closer than many other humans - he even sleeps next to my bed.
It's a new life - a new start for him and he looks very happy on it!
Last night, as he lay between us for a "good night" cuddle, I thought of how Jesus has done something similar in each of our lives.
He paid a price and brought us into His family, promising to always take care of us. He lovingly says to each one of us "you are mine".
How could I rate myself more highly than God, in that I would never let anyone hurt my dog, but still doubt God's love and protection for me at times?!!
Yes, I "redeemed" Roki for £160, and he is family now. So Jesus redeemed me, with a price too precious for valuation, and I'm His family forever!
So next time you are cuddling your pet, feeling so much love in your heart - realise that Jesus feels the same way about you (+ 1,000,000 percent).
You may have paid a lot of money to make that dog your own (plus vet fees, insurance, food, treats etc etc), but Jesus paid in His lifeblood to redeem you.
I encourage you to bask in that love every day of your life!
John 10:14-15
“I am the good shepherd; I know my sheep and my sheep know me— just as the Father knows me and I know the Father—and I lay down my life for the sheep.
In the words of the old hymn:
Redeemed—how I love to proclaim it!
Redeemed by the blood of the Lamb;
Redeemed through His infinite mercy,
His child, and forever, I am.
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