Buying A Slave

I've got the "Abraham" movie on and just witnessed a really great scence. Abraham and his band come across a traveler in the desert who is headed in the opposite direction to Haran. A small group shows up soon after, saying that the man is a slave who has run away from his master, and they are there to take him back.

Abraham values the mans life very much and has compassion on him. He tells the leader of the small group that he would like to buy the slave's freedom, despite being told that the cost is high. He walks over with his money and puts some coins in the leader's hand. The hand remains outstretched, wanting more. When satisfied, the group leaves.

The slave is, of course, thrilled with his freedom, but that is not the end of it. Abraham tells him to seek out his brother when he arrives, as he may have work for an educated man. The former slave tells Abraham that there is no way he can ever repay him. Needless to say, he is incredibly grateful.

The movie makers took some liberty, as they often do, but I love this scene. What a beautiful picture of Christ -- leaving his glory in heaven to come to earth with us. Why? To pay a price for our sin that we cannot pay. When we finally realize our sinful state and run away from it into the waiting arms of Christ, we find out what love and freedom really are.

Thank you, Jesus, for your sacrifice on the cross and the new life and freedom you offer! May all who don't know you come to realize the truth of the gospel.

Grace and Peace