Extreme “sale”

Romania: Sabina Wurmbrand

The repetition was maddening, and Sabina’s nerves were stretched to the breaking point. But the officer was unrelenting. “We have methods of making you talk which you won’t like. Don’t try to be clever with us. It wastes our time.”

Their questions were aimed at getting her to reveal the names of other Christians – those whom she had mothered in the faith and encouraged to be strong in the face of persecution. Now it was her turn to be strong, but she didn’t think she could bear another one of those interrogation sessions.

The next session was played with a gentler, craftier approach. The interrogator was alone and smiling. “Dear woman, you are only thirty-six years old, with your whole life before you. Just give us the names of the traitors.” Sabina remained silent.

He continued, “Let’s talk practically. Everyone has his price, so why don’t you just name yours? Just tell us what you want. Freedom for you and your husband? A nice home and a church? We would take good care of your family.”

Sabina responded with the fiery conviction, “Thank you, but I have sold myself already.”

“You have?” the interrogator interrupted. “For how much and to whom?”

“The Son of God was tortured and gave his life for me. Through him I can reach heaven. Can you pay a higher price than that?”

We expect teenagers to go through it. We say it’s a rite of passage. Yet we never think it will continue to plague us as adults. Peer pressure. It’s that all-too-familiar feeling of “being bought” by someone or something whenever we are tempted to compromise our values. After the deal is done, we feel like suckers. Fools. We feel cheap, having betrayed our own self worth. However, Christ paid the ultimate price in order to win our affections. If everyone has a price, he named ours for us, once and for all. His purchase of blood makes us invaluable in his sight. You are already bought and paid for, so don’t sell yourself short. Remind yourself of that today.

Excerpted from Extreme Devotion, a book of 365 true accounts of men and women who totally sold out for Jesus. You can order a copy of this book from our online catalogue or by contacting our office.