Day 61
Leviticus 25:47‐27:13; Mark 10:32‐52; Psalm 45:1‐17; Proverbs 10:22
What Price, Redemption?
In the early history of the United States, we faced the blemish of slavery. Men, women, and children were sold as property to wealthy landowners. Even before slavery there were those who escaped persecution and came to the colonies as “indentured servants,” selling themselves to others for payment of passage.
In Leviticus, we are reminded of the ownership of slaves, but in that book we learn the word redemption. A Jewish slave during that period of time was treated with dignity and, in some cases, like members of the family. Our history may not have been as gracious in many cases. In biblical history and even into American colonial history, slaves or servants could be redeemed by buying their freedom. Family or even generous benefactors could pay the price to redeem a loved one.
In the reading from Mark, we find Jesus paying the ultimate price to redeem each and every one of us. Maybe there are people we know that are indebted in ways beyond our understanding who could be redeemed by a generous act of love. There are so many people in the world that need to know our Savior has paid the price to redeem them. Maybe we could help by availing ourselves to those around us who are in need of redemption.
The Rev. Ed Bartle