Missing Key Lime Pie

A while back I was clearing out some old paperwork from my desk and I ran across a coupon from Karen and my favorite restaurant on Pensacola Beach, Flounders Chowder House. They had sent me a birthday coupon for a free piece of their famous key lime pie, which is actually three different key lime pies stacked onto one. Oh yes, it is good. But obviously since I still had the coupon I failed to redeem it and missed out on my key lime pie.

Too many people who come to an understanding of their need for Jesus Christ fail to allow His substitutionary work on the cross to redeem them. What is in need of redemption? Paying the ransom for our souls that our sin has brought upon us. It is too steep a price for any of us to pay. So we are shackled to our sins, a prisoner to the cost of our sin debt, unredeemed by failing to receive Christ as Lord and Savior.

Redemption is never our idea; God is the author of our redemption. Just as a restaurant owner or business may offer coupons giving discounts or free merchandise, God freely offers us redemption because of the price His precious Son has paid. Moses praised God for His redemption of Israel:

    “Who is like You, O Lord, among the gods? Who is like You, glorious in holiness, fearful in praises, doing wonders? You stretched out Your right hand; the earth swallowed them. You in Your mercy have led forth the people whom You have redeemed; You have guided them in Your strength to Your holy habitation.” (Exodus 15:11-13)

We are going to face some tough times; many of you are facing them right now. Do not do so without the strength of the Lord, a mighty fortress in times of trouble. David knew this all too well:

    “In You, O Lord, I put my trust; let me never be ashamed; deliver me in Your righteousness. Bow down Your ear to me, deliver me speedily; be my rock of refuge, a fortress of defense to save me. For You are my rock and my fortress; therefore, for Your name’s sake, lead me and guide me. Pull me out of the net which they have secretly laid for me, for You are my strength. Into Your hand I commit my spirit; You have redeemed me, O Lord God of truth.” (Psalm 31:1-5)

David could praise God for His faithfulness in redeeming him through God’s truth. We should never take that for granted, redemption in truth that is:

    “The works of His hands are verity and justice; all His precepts are sure. They stand fast forever and ever, and are done in truth and uprightness. He has sent redemption to His people; He has commanded His covenant forever: holy and awesome is His name.” (Psalm 111:7-9)

Maybe you’re thinking you’re too far gone for God’s redemption. You may believe that all the bad things you have done over your lifetime is beyond anyone’s ability to pay the ransom. We are not just talking about anyone; we are talking about the Lord Jesus Christ. There is nothing to big for God!

    “I wait for the Lord, my soul waits, and in His word I do hope. My soul waits for the Lord more than those who watch for the morning—yes, more than those who watch for the morning. O Israel, hope in the Lord; for with the Lord there is mercy, and with Him is abundant redemption. And He shall redeem Israel from all his iniquities.” (Psalm 130:5-8)

With Jesus Christ is abundant redemption. I missed out on my key lime pie last year and although I surely do not need, I may get another free piece offered for my birthday. But even if I don’t, I can always go purchase one.

Redemption is not like that. I can’t purchase it but I sure can miss out on it and there will come a time when it’s too late to receive another offer from God.

Don’t let that be you…

In Christ
Dave
Ps. 37:4

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    Copyright © 2013 David Jeffers

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