Most have heard of the 1932 Charles Lindbergh case.  Lindbergh paid a large ransom and yet his child was murdered.

Our attention is drawn to kidnapping situations.

What if someone we loved was kidnapped and held hostage?

What would we do?

Would we pay a ransom?

Kidnapping dramas are acted out on stage; television and in movies.

Act One:

The family usually receives a ransom note or a phone call with no specific leads to follow. They hear only the terrible news; the kidnappers are holding their spouse or child captive. The kidnapper tells them not to notify the police. If they do, the one taken will be killed.

Next, there are sleepless nights and frantic pacing.

The family waits; they wait for the next note or call.

Act Two:

The 2nd message has detailed step-by-step instructions. Come alone and bring a designated amount of cash (usually in small unmarked bills) to a secluded area. Family members begin to pull large sums of money together. At this point, the police and FBI often become involved. The law tries to rescue the kidnapped and comfort the family.

Act Three:

Results vary. Many times the FBI and police out maneuver the kidnappers. They free the one who has been held hostage. If not, there is heartache and sorrow for the survivors.

Do you realize that as a Christian you were once held captive to sin? The lost have been abducted by Satan’s lies.

JESUS frees us; the ransom has been paid!

“…the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life—a ransom for many (Matthew 20:28b HCSB).”