Hosanna Restoration Church

He bore our sins…oh come on people praise Him! This is a line from a song from nearly 40 years ago. If I can be honest, I did not totally understand what I wrote, but inside I had an experience of it and I had a desire to praise the Lord. My heart was grateful! My mind was catching up.

A bag of oranges reminded me of something and caused me to start this thought process. Recently after purchasing a bag of oranges as I was putting them away, I counted them and then divided the total price by the number of oranges which told me how much each one was. I have always done stuff like this. I taught my children to figure the price per ounce on things in store! Those of you who do this understand perfectly, those who don’t wonder why I would. We will just move on.

With all the talk of inflation, I noted that each orange was a lot more money these days. This caused me to consider that no matter what shape the orange was in or how it tasted or its texture; they each cost the same. I paid one price and got the bag. So, in my mind each one cost the same price.

That is the same way that Jesus feels about us! He did pay a little more for people who were worth more and a little less for people who were worth less! The truth is, we were all worthless until we came to Christ. Even the good things we did were like filthy rags. Jesus did not hold us to look for soft spots or sweet spots and then decide what to offer for us. It is not like a market where you can make the best deal. Jesus paid the same price for each one who calls on Him.

The price He paid was His life. I did not cost Him more because I had a lot of sin. He tells us that those who have been forgiven a lot love a lot, but truly that should not be the case; we should all love a lot! After all, He is our light, our salvation, our deliverer, our fortress, and our protector!

We all cost Him the same thing and he gladly paid the price. If I take one of those oranges and find out that it is not so good, I will not be happy, but that will not change anything. I bought it so I can either eat it or trash it. If you know me, you know I will try and get my value out of it! Well, if we fail to be perfect, that does not change how Jesus feels about us. He keeps working in and for our lives. He does not have buyer’s remorse.

You are of great value. Always remember that. If God values you, and He does, then you are valuable. You are so valuable that Jesus died for you. He died for you when you were a sinner and He died so you could be forgiven! When you called out to Him for salvation, there was no hesitation. He did not look you over and make a different offer for any one of us. His answer was quick, and His rejoicing was loud and proud. He took you in and you are family!

You are like a pearl of great price. You are like a treasure in a field. The kingdom of God is in you or available to you, depending on where you stand. Psalm 100 tells us to shout with joy and worship the Lord with gladness. We were all worth the price. He hears our prayers and knows what is going on in the world, and still His focus is on you. Be glad and rejoice in the Lord.