Ransomed

Exodus 30:12
12 "When you take a census of the Israelites to count them, each one must pay the LORD a ransom for his life at the time he is counted. Then no plague will come on them when you number them.”

How much does a life cost? How much is your life worth? These are interesting questions to sit and think about. These questions actually lead to more questions. Why would God put a 1/2 shekel price on every persons life? Why would He make it a rule that rich and poor had to pay exactly the same price? What if a person didn’t have 1/2 a shekel? Why was payment only needed when they were counted at a census? What about the rest of the time? Why can’t the rich pay extra to cover for the poor?

Well, I’m not planning on answering all of these questions, nor do I think that I am capable of answering all of these questions. Everything that is written in the Bible, both New and Old Testament, is written to show us the power of God, the wealth of His love, and the redemption of His Grace. From Noah and the Ark to Peter walking on water; every story, every chapter and verse is a small snapshot of an abundance of Grace powered by love. Why did God ask for a ransom when the Israelites were counted? The answer is simple, so that we could find Jesus.

The fact is that rich and poor, good and bad were counted during a census. Everyone twenty and over was counted and charged a ransom for their life and protection from plague. I’m not sure the significance of being 20, perhaps that’s God’s age of understanding, but I am sure of the significance of a ransom. A ransom is a redemption from captivity or slavery for a kidnapped person!

Here’s the blessing. 1 Timothy 2:5-6 says, “5 For there is one God and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus, 6 who gave himself as a RANSOM for all men—the testimony given in its proper time.” What that means is we were purchased back from our slavery to sin, having been kidnapped and hood-winked by the Devil. The blood of Christ shed on the cross was the RANSOM for all who come to be counted in His flock. The price is paid and we are protected from the plague of sin and separation from God. Equal payment leads to an equal salvation. The greatness of your deeds and the thickness of your wallet has nothing to do with your salvation! The sacrifice wasn’t ours, it was His. The blessing is ours. Jesus was counted with us (Isaiah 53:12) and paid the tab for us all!