August 11, 2026 | Be Connected
Pay, Gave, Saved
Scripture: 1 Timothy 2:5-6(NIV)
5 For there is one God and one mediator between God and mankind, the man Christ Jesus, 6 who gave himself as a ransom for all people. This has now been witnessed to at the proper time.
Devotional
Pay: I was captured. Deceived! Was it only me or others just like me? Was I in the wrong place at the wrong time? Had I slacked in good deeds, lacked in awards, been deaf to death’s dangers or simply preoccupied? In darkness, I sat alone, abandoned, imprisoned…without. Every cell in my body was sick; my soul plagued me. Death was certain. Purity was covered in dirty sin as the thief laughed and watched me weaken. The robber’s intent… to kill and destroy. I cried “Help! Hear my plea.” I knew the thief’s cunningness but never thought it would happen to me. It wasn’t only me; my family and friends were also swept away by the kidnapper. A ransom note was sent to my Father. In big black letters the note read, “PAY or DIE.” I was a lamb heading to slaughter with no shepherd’s protection. Hope ceased for life. I lifted my hands in surrender to scream, “Can anyone hear me, does anyone care enough to save me?” I wondered if 911 calls, prayers or protective intercessions were being made for my life? Who had the authority to free me from this suffering? How long would l be kept in bondage by the deceiver?
Gave:
- Psalm 49:7-8 No one can redeem the life of another or give to God a ransom for them—the ransom for a life is costly, no payment is ever enough.
- John 3:16-17 For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.
- Mark 10:35 For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.
Saved: I’m captured by love and safe because God had precise timing. The big black letters on the ransom note that said “PAY or DIE” are blood smeared by the sacrifice of Jesus’ rescue for me. I dwell in the arms of Jesus, the Good Shepherd who laid down His life for me- only to take it up again. Jesus wasn’t forced to rescue me; He did it on His own accord through my Father’s love. Everything pure and good is restored with a peaceful, quiet life in godliness and holiness. I lift holy, prayerful hands in surrender and praise to God and to the only mediator, Jesus Christ. I am saved and have come to the knowledge of truth: For there is one God and one Mediator between God and all people, the man Christ Jesus, who gave himself as a ransom for all people.
Pray: Jesus my mediator, You gave yourself as a ransom so I might have life. You are the giver of peace and eternal life. Help me be mindful of your sacrifice for my salvation.
