My sister and I were shopping in the Lake District of England.
Suddenly the wind got up and I felt very cold. We visited a nearby shop and purchased a heavy pullover which I put on in the changing room after paying for it. We left the shop and had gone approximately 20 metres when a voice bellowed Madam would you like to pay for that pullover you are wearing! Everyone around me froze, I realised I was the suspect and turned round to face my accuser, and as he drew nearer I replied, would you like to see my receipt? When he saw the receipt, the poor man was abashed and was full of apologies he admitted that he ought to have checked with the sales assistant at the till.
The lesson for me was to ensure that I had my receipt for all purchases always. Receipts are verification of purchase without them there is no evidence of that purchase, nothing to redeem the goods. However, the most important purchase in my life was not paid for by me.
Salvation from sin does not come freely; ancient Israel was advised by King David in Psalm 130:7, Israel, put your hope in the Lord, for with the Lord is unfailing love and with him is full redemption. The redemption of mankind came with Jesus Christ. Hebrews 9:12 says, He did not enter by means of the blood of goats and calves; but he entered the Most Holy Place once for all by his own blood, thus obtaining eternal redemption.
The purchase of salvation was our Saviours blood God has the receipt. Never take it for granted. It was the most expensive purchase in history and nothing in the future will ever be more costly. We are in the debt of God Father, Son and Holy Spirit. A debt for which we can only give thanks.
Prayer
Loving Father, we thank you for the most precious commodity in creation the blood of your Son. Through this payment we have been given salvation and our hearts are full of gratitude.
Amen