"Rescue"

A going through the auction ring,

I saw that mare pass through,

Starved to death, a rack of bones,

But she had papers, too.

She had a pretty little colt,

Who showed real straight with bloom,

I thought he’s gettin’ all she has,

But I have no more room,

To rescue this old mama,

My reason told me no,

So off they went to someone else,

No bid from me, no go.

But it really bothered me,

My wife, she shed a tear,

I wondered if it was too late,

To bring that mama here.

I found out who had bought them,

I called that night the name,

And then we went and got ‘em,

I had no one to blame.

That day was mighty rainy,

The mare looked even worse,

I’ll admit some second thoughts,

Thought blessing or a curse?

Well, now I say a blessing,

‘Cause both are doing fine,

Gained the weight and looking good,

I’m glad that they are mine.

But often now I ponder,

How life can often be,

Like that old horse auction,

We’re going through you see.

All starved out and worthless,

And not much of a bid,

Going, going almost gone,

At last they will get rid.

But God says I will take ‘em,

They’re valuable to Me,

I’ll care for and I’ll feed ‘em,

They’ll be okay, you’ll see.

So if you’re feelin’ worthless,

That simply is untrue,

The blood of Christ has bought us,

And He can make life new.

He is the highest bidder,

And He says what we’re worth,

For heaven’s range we’re headed,

When finished on this earth.

“For you know that God paid a ransom to save you…” (1 Peter 1:18, NLT)

What is your appraised value? Depends on who does the appraising, right? To some who love us, we are valuable. To others, not so much. Sometimes we devalue ourselves by what we do, say or feel. But God has the final say about what we are worth, and has shown us by actually sending His Son as a ransom to rescue us from destruction. After all, what is actually paid for something determines its value, and we are bought with the blood of Jesus. When you stop to think about it, it is amazing grace indeed. I’ve sinned, but I’m not a worthless sinner. I’m worth what was paid for me, and so are you.

Lord, help us realize how valuable we truly are in Your sight, in Jesus’ name.

Art by Mark Maggiori, markmaggiori.com. Used by permission. Thanks, Mark, and God bless you.