Ransoms

Some considerable time ago I read in a newspaper of a ship, which was in Chinese waters, being captured by pirates. There were 70 children on board, and all of these, as well as the crew, were taken prisoners. It was a great joy to me to read in the paper a few days later that they had all been rescued by the crew of one of His
Majesty's cruisers.

We have often read about pirates and bandits who have captured people and taken them to one of their fastnesses or caves in the mountains. When the bandits have got their prisoners to a safe hiding place, they send messages to the relatives or friends of their captives, stating that if a certain sum of money (called a ransom) is brought to a place which they mention, on a specified day, they will deliver up their prisoners. If and when, the "ransom" is paid, the prisoners are set free.

Do you remember how Moses instituted a law that all the people of Israel should give a ransom for their souls unto the Lord?" The amount they had to give was half a shekel (about is. 4d.), The sum was only a small one, so that both poor and rich could pay alike.

Satan desires to capture us all, but does it in a very crafty way. He tempts and beguiles us to leave the path that leads to the fold of Jesus, and wander into a strange and far country. We have all wandered like lost sheep. Our Good Shepherd, however, was not content to remain in the fold while we were outside and wandering away from it, and so, out of love He came to seek and to save us. To do this meant suffering and death on the Cross. He did it all that we might get into His fold and be safe. He paid the "ransom." "He gave His life a ransom for many." Paid the ransom for our souls—not half a shekel, but His own precious Blood.

He has paid it all. Go to Him in penitence and true faith and accept His offer of full forgiveness, and then follow the Good Shepherd, and He will lead you right home.

"Jesus paid it all, all to Him I owe—
Sin had left a crimson stain,
He washed it white as snow."