Hunting for Hidden Treasure
In backyards, garages and unused barns, there’s treasure hidden under old tarps. It’s unnoticed by everyone, except for those with a special kind of eyesight.
To a classic car restorer, the moment when the owner pulls off the tarp or raises the garage door is exciting. When he finds the remains of a classic car, his eyes light up.
His touch becomes gentle.
“This must have been one sweet ride—how much do you want for it?”
The price is low because the seller sees only a broken-down wreck. The buyer sees hidden beauty and wonderful potential.
Evaluating the Damage
After the old car is towed back to the shop, a professional team accurately assesses everything wrong.
“Transmission’s shot.”
“She’ll need a new engine.”
“Right fender looks good—have to buff out this rust, though.”
Restoring a ruined car takes time, skill and hard work. It also takes a clear assessment of the damage.
These dreamers are realists.
Our Savior is too.
When Jesus became your owner, He saw all the brokenness and sin in your life clearly—and His eyes lit up. Because He loves redeeming people.
Divine Redemption
What’s my working definition of redemption? Redemption is taking something ruined and restoring it to full beauty, function, and purpose. That’s good news. Because our Savior is also our Redeemer.
First, Jesus rescues us from Satan’s junkyard. Then like a classic car enthusiast, Christ gets to work and makes an honest assessment.
“Badly damaged self-esteem.”
“The mouth leaks gossip.”
“Temper keeps misfiring.”
Jesus sees how sin has damaged our lives, both as victims and rebels. But our Lord also knows how to restore us.
Redeeming sin-damaged, broken people is Christ’s passion. But He will always wait for our permission. Our Lord will never heal anyone against their will.
The process itself can be painful. But it’s so worth it.
Inner peace, joy and a life of purpose—that’s what Jesus wants to give each of us. As I’ve walked with my Redeemer these last four decades, He’s healed my soul in major ways.
So put yourself in the Lord’s hands and let Him get to work.
You’ll never be sorry you did.
These car images were downloaded from Pixabay.com.
Resources:
This devotion has been altered and re-published here with permission from the website Christian Devotions at christiandevotions.us.
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