The Auctioneer

by Pastor Kerry Freeman

A dirty, disheveled boy of about ten wearing tattered clothing was shoved forward onto the wooden dock. He was next. His hands were tied and a thick rope hung around his neck to prevent escape. A crowd gathered. The burly auctioneer opened the bidding. Who wants this slave boy? He’s young. ‘Oughta get a lot of good years out of’em. How much will you give?

Bidders examined the boy. Is he strong? Can he be trained to recruit others? Is he a rebel? He would make a good whipping boy. Will he try to escape? Can his spirit be broken where he no longer dreams of being somethin’ special? Can he be used to break the spirit of the rest? Can I master him?

Standing at a distance, a reserved man opened the bidding.
“I’ll give one bit!” His name was Abandonment. He knew if he could get him now he would have him for a lifetime.
Rejection raised the bid, “Two bits!”
Anger said, “No! I want him!”
Self-pity threw her hat in. Soon the air filled with clamor arguing over who would enslave the lad.
Selfishness added his two cents.
Bitterness made her bid.
Lust looked longingly at the boy.

Then there was one booming, baritone voice that shook the soil and the souls of the mob. “I want him! No price too high! I will give my life for his liberty and love.”

The Auctioneer cried out, “The price IS your life! Your blood!

“Done!” replied the Redeemer

“Done!” replied the Auctioneer

The Auctioneer trusted no one, not even the Man who won the bid. He demanded immediate payment and ordered his minions to seize the would-be Rescuer. In the sight of all, the boy’s Emancipator was strapped to a tree. He eagerly embraced the price for the treasure-a boy who would repay His love for a lifetime. The Man died that day.

The Auctioneer was forced to release the lad. He turned to the boy with disdain and grudgingly uttered these words: “The bidding was fierce. You have been bought with a high price-That Man’s blood. You are not your own. Abandonment cannot have you. Rejection has no say. Anger has no hold. Bitterness lost the bid. Lust left dejected. Selfishness surrendered her rights. “Under the terms of the sale you are to glorify your new Owner, your Redeemer, in body and soul; whole-hearted devotion to the One who paid your ransom.”

With that the Auctioneer removed the noose from the boy’s neck and untied his hands so the boy could love and serve freely. That boy is you and me.

“Oh, give thanks to the Lord, for He is good, for His steadfast love endures forever! Let the redeemed of the Lord say so, whom He has redeemed from the foe.” Psalms 107: 1-2

Kerry Freeman 7.3.10