Bought With a Very High Price

In Acts 20 we have some paragraphs that describe Paul saying goodbye to the elders in the Ephesian church. Paul had called for these elders to come and meet him as Paul knew that he would not see these people again. These verses are really great to read; to “hear” Paul’s passion and love for them. But they are also significant in that they contain a sentence that is very important. Let’s read verse 28: 28 Therefore take heed to yourselves and to all the flock, among which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to shepherd the church of God which He purchased with His own blood. The phrase that leaps off the page to me this morning is the phrase “purchased with His own blood”. Paul is reminding the elders that Jesus had bought them with a price. This is consistent with other language that Paul has used. In Ephesians 1:7 we read this: “In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins according to the riches of His grace”. Then in 1 Corinthians 6:20 we read: “For you were bought at a price; therefore glorify God in your body and in your spirit, which are God’s”. How does that make you feel? It makes me feel pretty special and valuable. Jesus’ blood was shed to pay a price for my sin. When I enter into a covenant relationship with Him, I am bought with a price. I become Jesus’ own possession that He has bought and paid for.

All kinds of things come to mind when I think of this.   First, my salvation has incredible value because the price of it was the sinless blood of Jesus Christ. Second, I am no longer my own person. I now belong to Jesus. I have been paid for. How can I then think I can make decisions and plans without consulting Him? If I do that, I am going against the one who has bought me…and at a great price. I’m not sure we think of this concept very often but it is truly one that is repeated quite frequently in the Bible. If you have received Jesus as Savior, you have been bought with a very high price. Praise God He was willing to pay it!