A while back there were a number of “Do you Remember” items on FB posts. One of them was “green stamps”.
Do you remember green stamps or maybe it was gold stamps that you saved? Each time we went to the gas station or the grocery store, the attendant would give my folks green stamps and they would bring them home and we put them in a savings book.
We had a green stamp catalog and we would save our books until we had enough to go to the redemption center and get what we had been saving for. That was so much fun, we walked out with something we really wanted and then we would start collecting for the new item that we wanted.
Do you know that we have been “redeemed”? The word redeemed means to rescue or to ransom. Our lives have been redeemed; not by collecting our good works and sticking them in a book for all to see but by the precious blood of Jesus.
“You were rescued (redeemed) from the useless way of life that you learned from your ancestors. But you know that you were not rescued by such things as silver or gold that don’t last forever. 19 You were rescued by the precious blood of Christ, that spotless and innocent lamb.” I Peter 1:18-19
All our good deeds cannot begin to measure up to the price Jesus paid for our redemption. Can’t you see it now, Jesus walking into the redemption center and God the Father asking “what would you like to take home today”?
Jesus says, “I would like Kristi for my own”.
And the Father says, “Well, are you sure you wouldn’t like something better? She has done some pretty foolish things.”
“No,” Jesus says, “I would like her.”
“And what will you give for her redemption? It has to be something very valuable.” says the Father. And he shows Jesus all the charges of my shortcomings and sins.
Jesus stretches forth His hands revealing the nail prints and says, “I think this should cover it.”
“Having cancelled and blotted out and wiped away the handwriting of the note (bond) with its legal decrees and demands which was in force and stood against us (hostile to us). This [note with its regulations, decrees, and demands] He set aside and cleared completely out of our way by nailing it to [His] cross.” Colossians 2:14 Amplified Version
Hallelujah! I have been redeemed. I have been bought with a price, the precious blood of Jesus. All my sins have been blotted out, covered by the blood of Jesus!
He’s done the same for you. He’s paid the price for your redemption.
Amen, Amen and Amen. This is getting printed off and “nailed” above my desk.
I would love to find an old green stamp book and just tear out the pages as an object lesson!
My Mom collected green stamps and I also remember picking items for redemption. Fun times!