No Longer A Thief Podcast

     In 1861, Victor Hugo wrote a work of historical fiction called, "Les Miserables." Our focus today is on redemption of the thief. A man caught stealing bread for his family ends up serving 19 years in prison. When he's finally released, he's forced to wear a yellow tag that says, "THIEF." Nobody will give him a job and he struggles to eat.      A Bishop invites the wretched man experiencing extreme poverty into his home. He feeds him and gives him a place to stay. Having lived most of his life as a victim, he sees the opportunity to steal from the Bishop as perhaps the last chance to improve his miserable life. After the Bishop goes to bed, the man packs the silverware and candlesticks into a bag and sneaks off into the dark of night. The Police catch him' The thief makes up a story and tries to explain that the Bishop gave him the bag full of valuable items as gift. Not falling for the fictitious story, they bring him back to the Bishop.      The Bishop tells the Police that he did indeed give the items to the thief as a gift. He then tells the thief that he forgot some of the candlesticks and proceeds to give the man more to carry off. Imagine that, giving someone who stole from you more than he stole in the first place! He tells the thief to look for a higher plan at work in what's happening.      The Bishop then mentions the Passion and the Blood (of Christ) before telling the thief that God has raised him out of darkness, and his soul has been bought for God. What an incredible story of compassion fueled by the wisdom, insight and knowledge of God. Just as Jesus death on the cross paid the price for our sins and purchased our redemption through salvation, the bishop purchased the thief's freedom from the curse of the law and the penalty for his sin.     "You were bought with a price [you were actually purchased with the precious blood of Jesus and made His own]. So then, honor and glorify God with your body." 1 Corinthians 6:20 AMP       "Christ purchased our freedom [redeeming us] from the curse (doom) of the Law [and its condemnation] by [Himself] becoming a curse for us, for it is written [in the Scriptures], Cursed is everyone who hangs on a tree (is crucified);" Galatians 3:13 AMPC As the Blood of Christ purchased our freedom from the law, and we don't receive the punishment the law demands; your offering of generosity is an act of charity and a down payment to purchase freedom from wretchedness for those living miserably. Thanks for your time. Go do something nice for somebody. Jesus loves you and so do we. #bibleshortswithbiblebob #JLYASDW