Ransom

This continues a series on Proverbs & Money.

Proverbs 13:7

The ransom of a man’s life is his wealth, but a poor man hears no threat.


Be careful what you ask for. Once again we see that the answer as to who it is that lives on easy street is not as simple as it first appears. In the jungle of life, a big kill always attracts vultures. And while our society doesn’t often encounter the hostage-taking schemes of armed robbers (for which we should be thankful), deep pockets do often encounter softer shakedowns by modern day and glorified extortionist’s who try to get theirs on the backs of the wealthy. Whether it’s the politically motivated “tax-the-rich” propaganda, a contingent-fee hot coffee litigation, a well publicized “charitable” giving campaign, or a self-seeking employee, the rich are seemingly always walking around with a painted bulls-eye placed squarely between their shoulders.

The poor man is spared such trouble. Even if robbers do attack, what is there to lose. “Here take it”, they say, “it’s all I have to give; no big loss”. The poor man pillows his head without the echo of distant threats. If this is our plight, nothing but food and clothing, then with this we will be content.

There is one thing, however, that the shakedown artists of our day cannot exact. Likewise, there is one thing that our temporal wealth cannot ransom. For this hostage, our soul, there is only one method of payment. So, whether rich or poor, we being bound up in the dungeon of our own sin all come as poor beggars with open hands to the feet of our benefactor. This Jesus came not to be served, but to give his life as a ransom for many. Let us all make the pleading call to our deliverer and be set free from the tyranny of sin and death.

All posts in this "Proverbs and Money" series were submitted by a friend of Aaron's who wishes to remain anonymous.