His Wounds Have Paid My Ransom: Just Three nails

God clearly shows and proves His own love for us, by the fact that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. (Romans 5:8 AMP)

"Come see this!"

I raced to the back door. We stood looking at the tree in confusion. It was a sad, sorry, sight. A once sturdy and robust tree with rich foliage now stood stark, dry, and naked of leaves. Skeletal branches provided an almost grotesque sketch against the canvas of the sky.

Abandoned

The animals that once received food, shelter and even clothing had abandoned it for other trees. The large nest of a bird was visible in another tree just beyond its ghastly branches

"Something seemed to have attacked the tree. It is all dried up."

We stood silently for a few seconds looking at the sorry sight of the tree before he softly said

"Perhaps the nails."

Just three nails

We had hammered three nails into the trunk to provide a sturdy prop for a place to wash. Just three nails poisoned and decimated a once green, leafy and flowering tree. 

"I will have to remove the nails. Hopefully it will regain its life"

As I gazed at the wasted tree another sight came to mind. That of a man into whom nails were also driven, so that we could be washed and propped. His wounds provided our ransom. Though the nails were pounded into him, however, it was His love for us that kept him on the cross. But, he rose again. He conquered the poisonous sting of sin - our sin, our actions.

His wounds have paid my ransom

For the tree though, the nails were poisonous. We removed the nails hoping for it to regain its life. As you engage in communion, may you  reflect on that ultimate sacrifice which provided a sturdy prop and constant cleansing  through sufficient grace.

When you wash..remember