THE VALUE OF SALVATION

Beloved, would you please spare with me a few of your minutes to consider what salvation means to this world. Let’s start by considering the following scriptures: John 1: 19, 20, 21, 41, & 45; John 3:2 and John 4:42. From these scriptures, were you able to see anything in common concerning the state of the world (people) then? Well, it is clear that these people were aware of a certain need in their lives and were out searching for it for a long time.

These scriptures record that, out of uncertainty, the Pharisees sent some people to John the Baptist to find out if He was the Prophet, Elijah or the Christ. Also, after encountering the Lord Jesus, Andrew went to tell his brother, Simon, that they had found the Messiah. Further, finding Nathanael, Philip told him they had found Him of whom Moses and the Prophets spoke about. Further still, we are told that Nicodemus, who was a ruler of the Jews and a teacher of the law, went to Jesus by night to inquire of Him. Lastly, the scriptures record that after hearing the testimony of the woman who met Jesus at the well, the Samaritans came to the Lord to hear Him and that after hearing Him for two days they concluded that Jesus was the Christ and Saviour of the world!

These scriptures tell us but one thing: the world then was in need of salvation and was looking for a saviour. Although they had mighty kings, well trained armies and authorities reigning over them, the people still had a deep longing for someone more than these mortal men. They needed someone who could understand them and was also able touch the very depths of their souls to remove every burden, to still every longing and provide answers to every question centring around identity, meaning, purpose, fulfilment, joy and what have you. You see, from the same scriptures we are able to tell that Jesus Christ the Son of God was that answer. His presence in their lives made the people want just to stay with Him. He brought them life, meaning, satisfaction and security. Their burdens of sins, guilt conscience and condemnation were rolled away, and light and joy radiated their faces bringing in freshness. It was their moment; they could not just let it go. Andrew, Philip and the Samaritan woman did not want to have Him only to themselves but were more readily willing to call others also that they may experience the same joy. Jesus became the centre of their lives that they were even willing to abandon their businesses and all in order to follow Him. After all He was all that mattered; you couldn’t blame them but admire them. These people had found treasure!

However, as it was then, so is it now! The world (you and I) needs a saviour, and Jesus is still the answer. Have you gone to the Lord recently to find what they found then, the thing you are searching for? What they experienced is for us too! Drugs, sex, riches, family, bling-bling and whatever won’t do it; it didn’t work then – or you may ask Nicodemus and the Samaritan woman, they too tried it all and were still longing. Only Jesus was the answer and still is today! What joy He brought in their lives! You see in Him is life, and that’s what you need. May God bless you as you meditate on this and consider surrendering yourself to Him! Amen.

To be continued...