Redeemed

“She’s gone.” The words stung. Just days before, she had sputtered and choked as she lost her faculties, barely reaching the shoulder of the road. After investing $1,300 in repairs and hoping for a miracle, the situation was not only dire—but from a diagnostic standpoint, it was impossible! What started out as a timing chain replacement had declined into a death sentence. The car, allegedly, needed a completely new engine. She was once sturdy and efficient, easily gliding through the obligatory paces of each gear until she purred. But now, she had been subjected to the cruel weight of onlooker’s stares as she was hoisted onto the bed of a tow truck and prepared for the execution.

She was Corbin’s very first car. He had avoided the normal pitfalls of high interest rates and flashy features. That original sunset orange paint job had lost all its luster, but this workhorse did the job faithfully without complaint. Corbin had eked out an amazing deal on this low mileage 2006 Mitsubishi Eclipse and paid for her in cash, before his 18th birthday! Now, she sat parked in “The Lot of Shame” while she waited for a savior—or at least for the highest scrap metal bidder from Offer Up. She sported four brand new tires and had not skipped her regular check-ups. Eventually, someone with a few bucks and a penchant for cars took the plunge.

For the next few months, my son pined for her. Oh, bicycle rides were pleasant enough at first, but the brutal summer heat and relentless traffic eventually made his daily commute burdensome. Although his roommates really showed up for him when it mattered, he could not abuse their kindness. His diligent search for the right car yielded nothing but disappointment until he spotted a familiar image on Offer Up. Could THAT CAR be the same one? No way…I sold it for parts. Plus, that’s a RED car. Just for fun, maybe I’ll call and ask about the history…Well, the rest is history, and Corbin has reclaimed his property. And she is better than ever! Twice his.

If you have ever been desperate enough to pawn a beloved item, then you know the pain of that decision. Sometimes the needs of the now can cause us to have short memories. Isn't it ironic that the same item that sells for pennies at a garage sale can fetch thousands in the hands of the right antique dealer? Why? Because history matters. And flaws become talking points on a fully restored piece. I have always been fascinated by couples who threw in the towel only to come full circle and remarry again. Despite the brokenness, they had inside information on the potential of that relationship. They came to the realization that their initial investment could lead to a lifetime reaping the benefits of compound interest. Great love requires great sacrifice.

When Jesus came to earth to pay the penalty for our sins, He redeemed us and paid the ransom so that we would no longer be slaves. We are loved. We are restored into right relationship with The Father because of a complete and perfect work. The car enthusiast revived Corbin’s Mitsubishi although other mechanics had written it off. Sometimes society undervalues the very qualities that are of the highest heavenly worth! Don’t diminish your value based on the wrong appraisal. You are not a closeout deal; you are a cherished child of destiny! The title has already been signed in blood. There is no irreparable damage; the outcome is that YOU ARE REDEEMED!

Isaiah 43:1-4 (MSG)

But now, God’s Message,

the God who made you in the first place, Jacob,

the One who got you started, Israel:

“Don’t be afraid, I’ve redeemed you.

I’ve called your name. You’re mine.

When you’re in over your head, I’ll be there with you.

When you’re in rough waters, you will not go down.

When you’re between a rock and a hard place,

it won’t be a dead end—

Because I am God, your personal God,

The Holy of Israel, your Savior.

I paid a huge price for you:

all of Egypt, with rich Cush and Seba thrown in!

That’s how much you mean to me!

That’s how much I love you!

I’d sell off the whole world to get you back,

trade the creation just for you.