1 Peter 1; Jeremiah 31-32; Psalm 134

“knowing that you were not redeemed with corruptible things, like silver or gold, from your aimless conduct received by tradition from your fathers, but with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot.” (1 Peter 1:18-19 NKJV)

The two most valuable metals known to the people in the Hellenistic age were gold and silver. They were valued because of their beauty and because neither pure gold, nor pure silver will tarnish or fade. Some of you might note the need we have today for gold and silver polish, but that’s because both tarnish since sterling silver isn’t pure silver, and pure gold is too soft for most jewelry. The truth is, those were the most precious metals of that day. And Peter tossed their value out as so much trash in comparison to the blood of Jesus Christ which was shed to pay the penalty for our sin. It’s not that gold and silver are worthless in human terms, it’s that when compared to our relationship with God, they are nothing. 

What’s important to you? Is it worldly wealth? Some Christians seem to think the purpose of the gospel is to increase the size of their bank accounts. What they’ve forgotten is that God’s purpose is to bring reconciliation to those who are lost in sin. All the stuff we have is nothing in comparison. Rather than taking pride in accumulating lots of money and/or things, we ought to see those blessings as ways to further the spread of the gospel. You didn’t buy your salvation with enough money; you didn’t earn your salvation by good works; your salvation was a gift from God purchased by the blood of Christ. When we realize how great that sacrifice was, then we’ll make sharing God’s grace our priority in life, not accumulating wealth.

Lord, it’s so easy to get tempted by the beauty of things like silver and gold. It’s easy to fall into the trap of thinking that wealth is important. Help me to remember the sacrifice Jesus made for me, and everyone else, and to share His grace and forgiveness with others.