AN UNPAYABLE DEBT
In the winter of 1777-78, George Washington’s troops at Valley Forge were enduring brutal conditions, as they trudged through the snow barefooted, half-starved. Washington appealed to wealthy merchant Jacob DeHaven for help. DeHaven responded by loaning the Continental Army $50,000 in gold and $400,000 in supplies. His generosity enabled the troops to survive the winter, and ultimately win the Revolutionary War. However, the loan was never repaid.
In 1990, DeHaven’s descendants sued the government to collect the delinquent debt. With compounded interest, they figured Uncle Sam owed them a whopping $141.6 billion. Needless to say, they lost the case and the appeal.
Aside from the descendants’ greed, we’re struck by the enormity of this debt. Face it, some debts simply cannot be repaid. In a sense, all the money on earth couldn’t repay DeHaven for his generosity. His loan was all that stood between the collapse of the Revolution and victory over the British. He saved the cause of freedom for America. An unpayable debt.
But consider this. The debt owed to DeHaven dwarfs in comparison to the price Jesus paid for our sins. II Corinthians 5:21 states, “Christ had no sin, but God made him become sin so that in Christ we could be right with God” (ERV).
By His sacrifice, Jesus took upon himself our unpayable debt— the guilt of every sin ever committed. His cross is all that stands between eternal separation from God and unending bliss with Jesus. He paid our debt to set us free. No amount of money or good deeds could ever repay Him. We simply need to receive His gift.
Right now, we find ourselves in the throes of a spiritual Valley Forge. Our minds are overwhelmed with uncertainty about the future. But let’s put life in perspective. Our eternal debt has been paid! Our future is secure. Our eternity is certain. In the blink of an eye, our struggles will be over and we will be with God. That’s why scripture describes our troubles as “light and momentary” (II Corinthians 4:17). Compared to eternity, our present problems are miniscule. How much better could life get?
If you’ve never surrendered your life to Jesus, contact me. You too can rejoice in this eternal gift. Then lift your eyes to heaven and thank Him for rescuing us from our unpayable debt.
Principle: Jesus saved us from our unpayable debt.
Promise: We have been made right with God through Jesus.
Ponder:
How does knowing my eternal future is secure empower me to face the struggles of the present?
Who do I know who needs to say “Yes” to Jesus’ offer of eternal life? How can I pray for them?
Prayer: Jesus, there are no words to express how grateful I am that you paid my unpayable debt. I will thank you for all eternity.
Pursue: For a deeper dive, study Psalm 103.
Perceptions: Record any ideas God puts on your heart from today’s devotional.