Isaiah 53:5, "But He was pierced for our transgressions, He was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was on Him, and by His wounds we are healed."
Romans 6:23, "For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord."
We exchange things all the time. We purchase groceries with cash; we give a hand wave for a nod and a smile; we swap books with friends; we trade services in business. Sometimes we get great bargains and sometimes we don't. Nonetheless, one thing of value is given for another. But no one has ever offered us a better deal than God.
Throughout the Old Testament, the Israelites were commanded to sacrifice their best animals without blemishes or defects to God to cover their sin debt. But that was always a temporary solution. God, in His vast creativity, devised a perfect plan to pay for the sins of the world - past, present, and future. This came at great personal cost, and we definitely get the better bargain in the world's greatest exchange - His only Son's blood shed on the cross for our sin and shame.
The moment we realize and admit that we are sinners in need of a Savior, the second we ask Jesus to come into our lives, we receive God's grace for our guilt, forgiveness for our fallenness, mercy for our mistakes. Jesus lived a perfect life, died a horrific death, and rose again so that those of us who believe in Him would be spared from eternal misery. Today, let's rejoice in this more-than-a-lifetime gift and give thanks!
When we consider the high cost of our salvation through Christ, pure thankfulness and joy should flood our hearts. With that in mind, what are ten things you can thank God for right now?
Heavenly Father, Thank You for sending Your one and only Son to shed His blood on the cross in exchange for my sin and shame. Today, I walk in Your truth and freedom because of the world's greatest exchange. You chose me, You called my name, and now, I'm forever Yours! In Jesus' name, Amen.