...[Y]ou were ransomed from the futile ways inherited from your forefathers, not with perishable things such as silver or gold, but with the precious blood of Christ, like that of a lamb without blemish or spot. 1 Peter 1:18-19
I agree with this post on DesiringGod.com that states that Holy Week is the most important week in all of history. As such, I continue with one of the recommendations from the post to prepare for Holy Week, which is to read John Piper's 50-day devotional Fifty Reasons Why Jesus Came to Die. Today I read reason #28: To Free Us from the Futility of Our Ancestry. Here, John Piper, describes how the power of Jesus Christ is able break the cycle of pain that is associated with the "wounding of abusive, codependent, emotionally distant parents." Piper shares that in these families where this wounding occurs, "there is a sense of fatalism that we are bound to live with the curse or the wounds from our ancestry. The future seems futile and void of happiness." Piper then refers us to 1 Peter 1:18-19 where the text shares that upon Christ's death on the cross, believers are ransomed not with silver and gold but with the blood of Christ, which is infinitely more valuable. Piper writes: "[w]hen Christ died, God had a view to the relationship between us and our ancestors. He meant to set us free from the futility we inherited from them. That is one of the great reasons Christ died." Piper expands: the implication is that "[w]hen Jesus died, all the blessings of heaven were purchased for those who trust him. And when God blesses, none can curse." Piper makes it explicitly clear that, where none can curse, this includes those circumstances in families where people feel trapped (enslaved) by ancestral cycles. When God redeems you, the power of Him working in You, initiated by His blood on the cross, has the power to overcome anything. Repent, believe and experience the power of Christ in Your life!
Comment and discuss this post.
My Prayer: Father God, You are infinitely more valuable than silver or gold and You ransomed/redeemed me with Your blood. Thank You Father God for saving me and for giving me the power of the Holy Spirit in my life. I am not deserving of my salvation nor how You give me the Holy Spirit and work in my life. My sins are great and they continue...daily. Please forgive me and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You. Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me. Help me grow in my faith. Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength. Please continue to heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo. Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior. Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin. Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others. Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.
