#redeemed by ransom

[annlillyjose]

chapbook update – redeemed by ransom

this user is obsessed with their book and is dealing with separation anxiety with her characters, so she wrote something else with them – a chapbook!

when @coffeeandcalligraphy did this, i knew it was something i’d love to do, too, so i gave it a go. the plan was to write it before finishing dairy whiskey (as an exercise to help with the book) but when does anything ever go by plan?

i wrote this last night in a span of two hours. there��s five poems in this and i’m so proud of them all!

i loved writing it, so you all get to read it, too! i’ll leave a link at the end of this for ya’ll to download the book for free (and the link to my paypal if you’d like to support a struggling artist, but no pressure ofc).

but before all that, here we go – the five poems in this book, under the cut.

children with expiry dates

this poem reads as an instruction manual to mariam. it’s both empathetic and hateful, it’s a confusing blend of emotions. “chandeliers are for non-believers”, the poem opens, and goes on for two pages.

litany in which certain tomorrows are promised – after richard siken

the longest poem in the book, running a total of fifty lines, talks about the central relationships that dinah maintains with people. talks about religious and childhood trauma, but ends with a sort of hope/consolation.

map of a mother

a poem that lists out the specifics of dinah’s memory of her mother – what she thinks about, what she feels, and what she willingly forgets.

holding rain

talks about another world or life, a sort of euphoria, where dinah has a simple and tender relationship with ephron, totally unlike the dynamics they share in the story.

it is okay to hold hands / it is okay to taste lips

a tribute to the most beautiful couple i’ve written (till date), this poem is all about dinah and austin. it’s beautiful, it’s tender, it’s promising, and it’s intimate.

so, that’s it with the poems. if you’d like to read this book, you can download a free copy here!

if you'd like to support my work, you can donate on paypal. i am super grateful for any and all contributions, but again, there's no pressure. you can always just read the book for free and let me know what you think.

looking forward to hearing from you. hope you enjoy reading my poems!

general taglist (ask to be added or removed)

@shaonsim @heartfullkings @vnsmiles @dallonwrites @sienna-writes @violetpeso @flip-phones @rowansghost @ambidextrousarcher @zoe-louvre @writing-with-l @magic-is-something-we-create @femmeniism @frozenstillicide @wizardfromthesea @rose-bookblood @coffeeandcalligraphy @rodentwrites @saltwaterbells @snehithiye @at-thezenith

[spiritsoulandbody]

#DailyDevotion The LORD Punished His People. Do You Think You Will Escape?

#DailyDevotion The LORD Punished His People. Do You Think You Will Escape? Micah 1 16Cut off your hair and be bald for these daughter-towns you delight in. Make yourself very bald like the vulture because these people will leave you and go into exile. The prophet continues and summarizes what is to happen to all these towns in Judah and Israel with the invasion of the Assyrians. We know they exiled the Israelites to what is northern Iraq today. Perhaps he is only referring to them here and not to the towns of Judah. It is highly likely many of the Judahites in these towns were taken prisoner for ransom as was the practice in the day. Some may have been sold off to slavery as also was the practice for those not ransomed. The cutting off of hair was a sign of mourning. The prophet is calling for mourning for those people being exiled for it will be as if they were dead. We were once enslaved to sin and the fear of death. The people of this world have been exiled to this world of death. Jesus came and paid our ransom. We are not without a Redeemer. He gave Himself unto sin and death upon the cross and the grave. His body, His blood, His soul was the ransom price. We were freed from these ancient foes in our hearts, minds and spirits. We are still on our way home from exile. The Father raised Jesus from the dead. His resurrection has opened the way for us to our heavenly home (note the “ly”). Our heavenly home is the New Earth and it is heavenly because God, Father, Son and Holy Spirit, will dwell with us. 2 1Woe to those who plan evil and lie in their beds getting ready to do wrong! When the morning dawns, they do it because they have the strength to do it. 2They want fields, so they seize them; houses, so they take them. They oppress a man and his family, robbing him and his inheritance. 3So the LORD says: “I’m planning disaster for these people. You can’t remove your necks from it; or walk with heads erect, because it will be a time of disaster. Here is one of the reasons the LORD is bringing this disaster down upon Samaria and Judah. Those who should be leading the people in righteousness are instead planning evil on their beds as they go to bed and rise up. They are ready to do wrong. As soon as they awake they start to act on their plans because they have the ability to do it. These are the rich and powerful of the land. They are misusing the gifts given them by the LORD. Instead of protecting and taking care of the people they are looking at how they may take advantage of them. They are guilty of breaking the ninth and tenth commandments, which is idolatry (Col. 3:5). They covet peoples' fields and houses and they seize them. They oppressed families and robbed them of their inheritance. You might remember the LORD gave each Israelite family an inheritance in the land. It's literally stealing from the LORD. Because of this sin the LORD is bringing disaster upon the people. We might note, all the people are going to be punished. Those losing their homes and lands aren't innocent either. They allowed these injustices to exist in the land. No doubt, they preyed upon those even weaker than them. Their day of judgment was fixed and they could not deliver themselves from it. There is a day of judgment for this world. Its people are no different. There is only one escape from the coming disaster. We are to put our faith in our Redeemer and Ransom, Jesus Christ. He alone has saved us from the due punishment of our sins. There is no other salvation. Almighty God and Father, You have given us Your Son to be our Redeemer and Ransom from death and destruction. Give us faith in Him to escape Your wrath. In Jesus' name we pray. Amen. Read the full article

[ifmypeopleza01]

Ransom Paid

For there is one God, one mediator also between God and men, himself man, Christ Jesus, who gave himself a ransom for all; the testimony to be borne in its own times; (1 Timothy 2:5-6 ASV)

There is one God. What is the basis or context for this reasoning? Well, we should look at what came before. There is an instruction to pray for all men (usually women would be included in this too, I have no reason to think Paul would exclude women here). The Paul lists specifically kings. The reason to pray for kings, is that we may live tranquil and quiet lives. Paul then states that the reason to pray for all men is that God wants them all to be saved. First lesson, we pray for our leaders so that the Gospel can be spread and shared with all - preferably in a peaceful environment, because God wants all to be saved. One God. The doctrine of there being only one God has never changed. It is there Genesis 1. It is here clearly stated here. The doctrine of the Trinity nowhere says there are three gods. One Mediator. There is not only one God, but also only one mediator. A mediator is a person that approaches an authority and negotiates on your behalf. In Old Testament scripture, a priest would be a mediator. He is someone who takes your offering and performs the ritual on your behalf, all the while interceding for you, asking God that the sins of the worshipper be forgiven. Moses was also a mediator, he mediated the Covenant on behalf of Israel. Jesus is our mediator. He is the one that mediated the New Covenant. He not only negotiated the New Covenant, but also became the Lamb of God that takes away the sin of the world. This same mediator's job is not ended, he is hearing your prayers and pleading with the Father on our behalf. On this point I need to point out that nowhere in the Bible is Mary anything else than a sinner saved by grace who happened to be the earthly mother of Jesus Christ. She is no mediator, she cannot hear prayers. This kind of thinking has roots in pagan mythology and beliefs. In verse 5, Jesus is called "man". This is not incorrect assignment. Jesus did ascend bodily into heaven. However, to claim that he is only a man is to miss some important data. 1) there are 8 billion people in the world. If all 8 billion people pray at the same time, he hears all the prayers and is interceding at the same time for all 8 billion people. Granted, there may only be 2 billion believers, but even that is a lot of interceding. Who, other than God can hear all prayers at the same time all of the time, in other words, omnipresent, omniscient. Acts 2:36, Jesus is declared Lord and Christ. So suggesting that Jesus is only a man is to miss the point. Gave Himself. Yes, in a sense Jesus was arrested, put through a kangaroo court, mob style trial and sentenced t death. However, as he is also God, he had every right to call all the angels in heaven to defend him. He did not do this, so in that sense, He did offer Himself. Ransom for all. Ransom is the right word here. You pay a ransom if you are kidnapped. It is a payment for your life that your person may be restored to your loved ones. As sinners, we are in bondage to our sin. We cannot break the chains of our bondage to sin on our own. We have no power. We are kidnapped by sin. Thank God that Jesus has paid the ransom. We are set free. To make that freedom effective for others, they need to hear the Gospel message, that Jesus Christ who is God paid the ransom for their sin and they can be set free if they repent and believe. This ransom would also suggest that Jesus is the only Saviour. So, Jesus is Mediator, Saviour, Intercessor, Man, God. Two Ways to Live? Jesus died on the cross for sin. He did it to set you free from the bondage of sin. Also to set you free from the justice of sin, by taking the punishment we deserve. He arose as evidence that the price is paid and is seated at the right hand of God, interceding for you and me - but only if you repent and believe. Please do so today if not done so already. Father, thank you that you hear our prayers and thank you that you gave us a mediator. Forgive us our sins especially as we believe on the Lord Jesus and repent.

[2-dsimp]

☆*:.｡..｡.:*☆ ☆*:.｡..｡.:*☆ ☆*:.｡..｡.:

Yandere adventurer x princess reader

☆*:.｡..｡.:*☆ ☆*:.｡..｡.:*☆ ☆*:.｡..｡.:

Cw: fem reader! Princess reader! jealousy, possessive/obsessive, yandere townsfolk, Zexius fighting for his life, murderous tendencies, slight gore,

Synopsis: 【on this fateful day you were threatened to be the sacrificial bride of a mythical beast. In order to save your minor kingdom from destruction. However, in a turn of events you got saved by an unruly adventurer dressed in none other than his boxers. it was love at first sight. Although many of your subjects opposed it.】

☆*:.｡..｡.:*☆ ☆*:.｡..｡.:*☆ ☆*:.｡..｡.:

Zexius was a blight to his family adventurers guild. He was blessed with unfathomable potential. Alongside His family of 6 with him taking center stage as the shitty eldest brother. However, not many would get to see his potential being put to action. Since he’s a lazy fucker who wants to be a NEET for the rest of his life.

His family was loaded so why the hell did he even need to go outside and save the world from miscreants? That’s what hero’s like Adonis the Sunset Knight are for.

Not to mention he had a sucky personality, bad hygiene, his only good redeeming features would be his face he inherited from his parents. But even he’d got that covered up by his hair.

His life motto was to live unseen so hardships never bother him unprovoked. So he lived as a nameless NPC often making his parents namely his mother, Mooni, wring his neck in frustration. Dangling his ass out the window of their castle from the highest level.

“You’ve been holed up in that room of yours for months young man! Go outside and— what’s that slang you youngins use again? Ah right… Stop gooning!”

“Ma! Seriously! Who even told you about that slang? You’re too old to be acting so cringeeeeeeeeee!??”

Zexius all but screeched be catapulted by the scruff into the far off distance like a shooting star. Yelling curses like a lich obsessed with getting revenge on those beyond its grave.

While dusting off her hands with a huff of satisfaction, her laid back husband, Jakeo, stumbled upon the scene. Ultimately he just shrugged before minding his business. Already used to the extreme mother-son spats, definitely not because he forgot to take out the trash. And was trying to save his ass from being thrown out like a rocket just like his eldest son.

“Jakeooooo, don’t act like, I don’t got eyes in the back of my head. What happened to trash day?”

“…Listen hear me out—“

—-/——————

At this point Zexius was having airtime for so long he was bored. He estimated that he passed up 3 great territories already. Yawning while still zooming within the air until he widened his bloodshot eyes in surprise. His limbs failing seeing that he was headed straight towards a malicious mythical beast. Who was currently attempting at stealing the a kingdoms princess as ransom.

“I dare any of you insignificant humans to step to me, the princess now belongs to the great Orisha! You should kiss the ground in thanks that I didn’t devour you all—“

Suddenly the mythical beast paused, his many eyes trained on the bloody individual who stood off to the side with a tired expression on his face. Carrying a pulsating piece of flesh that drawfed half his body. Their heart, Not to mention that guy looked like a cave dweller and was only wearing his lame boxers and a tattered tank top.

“Shit sorry man, your fatass heart was in the way so I had to uh remove it to get out. But hey I’ll give it back to ya so no hard feelings?”

Zexius offered animatedly, he could already feel a dreadful headache coming from the aftermath of what’ll happen to his quiet carefree life of self indulgence. Seeing he had pierced through the beasts chest like an arrow, leaving a gaping hole.

“Damn youuuuu, how could I the great Orisha be defeated by a mere bum?! This amount of shame you brought on me has no remedy!”

The adventurer pinched his nose in exasperation, the NEET truly hoped that the beast had another heart. He could just dip like nothing happened. The townsfolk be damned since it wasn’t his problem. But sadly it wasn’t the case he actually killed it in one shot. Not just any beast a mythical one at that.

“I’ll curse you and your next of kin!… well that’s what I’d normally do to a worthy and presentable opponent.”

“Oi Oi Oi what the hell’s that supposed to mean? Excuse the fuck outta me for not bein dressed to impress. But I didn’t expect to be out here anyways. “

Ignoring Zexius’s attempts at explaining himself, Orisha merely rolled his many eyes. Seeing his magnificent body fading away like speckled star dust into the wind.

“Haa I actually pity you, with my minds eye it’s enough to tell that you’ll remain a forever alone. So it’d be a waste to curse you farewell fool.”

The adventurer veins popped on his forehead immediately crushing the beasts pulsating heart.

“YOU— CURSE ME! CURSE ME ALREADY, YOU BIG BITCH! I’m not a lost cause, damn you! Just you wait, I’ll make you regret not cursing me when you had the chance!”

Zexius raged, Even going as far as to spit and stomp on the lump of flesh upon the ground. growing more irritable from its croaking fits of laughter.

The beast collapsed, fading away into nothingness drooping you into the hands of your savior. Who caught you by reflex and was already sweating being in proximity to a pretty thing like you. You were exactly his type, and he didn’t know how to handle it.

He wasn’t a gentleman and he’d gotten used to being labeled as unredeemable gnat. By the other neighboring princesses because he treated them like their royal reputation didn’t mean anything.

Being so blunt about how they weren’t his type at all. Not even doing the customary greeting since he’d just smack their hand with a nonchalant low high five. With a sneer on his face as he said that he wasn’t gonna be kissing an uggo’s hand.

Immediately he got on the blacklist no-marriage list throughout most neighboring territories. Which made his mother weep in frustration after having set up those marriage meetings for it to go to waste. While his father merely laughed alongside his younger brothers Wagam, Yeon, and Ueul at how he had no rizz.

Not to mention he was wearing his damned boxers. After years of finally finding the right princess who hit all his criteria at a glance. The last thing he’d wanna do is embarrass himself. He was praying to the gods to have that cliche where the damsel falls for the hero at first sight. just like in those isekai novels he’d read in his spare time.

His train of thought was interrupted by the king who stepped forward. Cringing at the sight of the bum who somehow saved their kingdom. But coughing into his hand to save face he must act as a benevolent ruler and thank the one responsible for their safety.

“Ahem! Thank you, for saving my precious daughter and my people we’re forever in your debt bum—I mean esteemed adventurer. Whatever it’s you want we’ll happily supply you with—“

“Yeah, yeah, no need to make a big deal outta it. I only want one thing, your daughter’s hand in marriage.”

The NEET said bluntly with a blank faced expression, still holding you in a princess carry. If the King rejected then he’d just haul ass and kidnap you on the spot. There was no way he was going to let you outta his sights. Not when you were everything he was wishing for. Plus it make his mother get off his back about not having any grandkids for her to spoil in the foreseeable future.

“Oi Oi what’s with the hostile attitude! Y’all are some ungrateful people, you said you’d give me anything! So why the hell are you readying a battle axe man!”

In hindsight he could understand why the people were already gathering their pitch forks and discarded weapons. The look on their faces was of pure spite, like someone pissed in their cheerios. Despite him saving their lives, it felt as if they’d rather die than see their precious beloved princess. who was clearly loved by the subjects be married to someone who they recognized to be on the no-marriage list.

Narrowing his eyes he widened his stance. He wasn’t afraid to catch a fade with all of the kingdoms people woman, man, child. He didn’t give a fuck, plus he could tell it was a small kingdom on the outskirts. So it’s not like anyone would tell if it happened to somehow disappear right?

Though it would be unfortunate if he killed his father in law in front of you. He could easily ask one of his brothers who’s an aspiring mage to preform a memory wipe on you. After all his family’s blessed with the best of abilities hailing from the direct line legendary adventures before them.

“Lay down your weapons! Father you said you’d give him anything he’d want, it’d be a disgrace to the royal code to not honor that!”

You piped up, with a stern expression on your face which Zexius found to be so adorable. It made him grin like a lovesick idiot seeing his future bride stand up for him. Hell it even made him tear up a bit as nobody had ever done that for him in his years of living. Which only solidified how you were the only one for him.

“Sweetie listen, that thing isn’t even fit to be your husband! It’s best to kill him where he stands and for goodness sakes he’s a bum! He must’ve did some kinda dirty trick, there’s no way he defeated Orisha so easily!”

“Silence! Don’t you dare call my fiancée a bum show some respect, all of you! Or else I’ll leave this kingdom and never come back!”

“Alright alright! Anything but that forgive us! My sweet daughter! Everyone stand down!”

The King urged frantically, everyone followed suit disgruntled as they seethed silently at the smug adventurer. But they’d be devastated if the crown jewel of their small kingdom were forever lost. However, the king was adamant in keeping you and him separated for as long as possible.

So he made up a thorough bullshit contract, a test of faith one may say. Which states that if Zexius could spend five years doing long distance with his princess. Then he’d voluntarily allow you to go stay at his residence.

Zexius didn’t like dealing with unnecessary struggles but for you he’d give it his all. By the time you’d meet again he’d be ready to expel 5 years of yearning for his bride to be.

.

.

.

Part 2? 👀

[lavender-butterfly-cookie]

Gingerbrave gets adopted by the beasts because.

(somehow better parents than pv which is insane wtf?)

I- I feel like I've done something similar to this before... oh well, here you go butterfly

Adopted by the beasts

Gingerbrave, a good cookie with a good heart. And out of all the cookies to adopt him, he gets adopted by the WORST INFLUENCES known to cookiekind. And these cookies are none other than the five beasts themselves (ngl I think DE is far worse but oh well)

To be fairly honest, he wasn't technically adopted, more so kidnapped. But they weren't doing anything wrong to him or using him as a ransom, so there's a redeeming factor.

Did he like it? No, not at first. He wanted to go home and see his friends and not be in the clutches of pure evil right now. But over time he grew to accept it and despite his better judgment, he grew a liking to the Beasts.

He doesn't quite forgive Shadow Milk cookie for pushing him and his friends of the spire, so he was quite iffy around him. He also didn't make any effort to apologize, so the distrust was understandable. But the two made it work, with time.

Mystic Flour cookie, oh how she scared him. As monotone and expressionless she was, something about her just intimidated him. But he got used to her and even started looking to her for guidance. He knows Shadow Milk cookie was the fount of knowledge, but in his eyes Mystic Flour cookie was the smartest and probably most reasonable person in the group.

He never went anywhere NEAR Burning Spice cookie. And with very valid reason. The guy was aggressive and always looking for either a challenge or something to pulverize into dust. Not to mention, does he ever bath or brush his teeth??? Regardless, he learned that ignorance is indeed bliss, and ignoring Burning Spice cookie altogether was better than running away every time he was around.

Eternal Sugar cookie is just... well... she's just lazy. And being the one to love adventure, the two were complete opposites. So it's strange to see him with her the most. She cuddles him, tells him to take wayyyy too many breaks in a single hour, gives him sweets, and is altogether very affectionate to him. Such affection comes with a huge portion of jealousy when he's not with her or is with the other beasts. He's her kid, he should be with her!

Silent Salt cookie only interacts with Gingerbrave in training. Simply because Gingerbrave admired his skill and liked the idea of a (fair) challenge. Because of this, Silent Salt cookie always held back on his power so he wouldn't hurt Gingerbrave. But that didn't mean he went completely easy on him, oh no no no. He was a mixture of firm and fair, something Gingerbrave both respected and appreciated.

[bigtreefest]

I really like the ex-boyfriend trope because it’s a reminder that at some point, the asshole was soft enough to care for that person. To learn so much about them. And I really love that for Ransom. It’s so rare that he genuinely cares and you can see it in his face, the full joking smile when he sarcastically talks about his parents, the concern etched in his brow about reader’s mom. He’s really doing this for her own good and that’s such a swoon. 🥺 I mean, sure, he’s still Ransom, but I love the mushy edge that their previous relationship gives to him. Kind of like “you’ll always have a place in my heart.” Probably bc reader is the only person he’s met in these circles that actually cares about him, despite the fact that he simply tries to play it off on her good looks. Kris, I’m in love. He’s an asshole, but he’s perfect. “Mean man who’s only nice for me” kinda perfect🫣

I'm Feeling Like I Never Should

Pairing: Ransom Drysdale x female reader

Word Count: ~1.3k

Summary: It's bad enough you've been forced to be at this charity gala, but now you have to deal with your ex, Ransom.

Warnings: Explicit language, anxiety, insults, bad parents All of my work is 18+ - Minors DNI

Dividers by @saradika-graphics

Masterlist

A/N: This is for @stargazingfangirl18 Siri's Birthday Bonenanza!!! The prompts I used were seeking comfort (or sexy times) from an ex and “Goddamnit, will you just fucking let me do this for you?” which both screamed Ransom to me. 😂 Thank you for hosting such a fun event, Siri!! I hope you had a great birthday!

Thanks as always to @paperweight91 who has an endless supply of patience for talking through ideas with me and helping me whenever I'm stuck.

Any comment, reblog, or ask to let me know what you think will be greatly appreciated. As always, thank you so much for reading! 💜

The noise from the party floated down the secluded back hallway, muted but still audible. You took a deep breath, leaning against the wall. You really hated these things. Too many people. Too much smugness. You didn’t understand why you couldn’t all just donate to charities in private. That’s what the internet was for. But no, you had to watch each other do it to prove how good you all were while eating canapes and drinking too much in designer gowns. You really hated these things.

And your parents knew that. Your mom, especially, knew exactly what rooms like this, full of distant acquaintances and strangers, did to you. Knew how hard forced mingling was for you. Knew the way it made your chest ache. And still, she’d insisted. And then she’d–

You wiped the stray tears from your face. It was pointless to get upset over things she’d always done, over a person who’d never change. You should know better by now.

The door at the far end of the hall opened and you reflexively looked over at the noise to find Ransom Drysdale standing in the doorway in a tux. Shit. Shit. He, of course, had seen you too and now he was striding over.  

 “Not fucking now, Ransom,” you whined, but of course he didn’t listen. He’d never fucking listened. Not when you were kids and knew him in passing. Not for the entire time you’d dated as adults. Why would he start now?

“Wow,” he said, gesturing to you with a crostini in his hand. “There’s a party going on out there and you’re playing wallflower in here? Color me shocked.”

“Yeah?” you said. “And what are you doing in here? Trying to find a caterer to pay to blow you?” No one could get your back up like him. He’d always brought the vile out in you.

He gave you a mean little smirk. “You rather I slipped you a fifty instead? Your mouth always was one of the best things about you.”

You felt your skin start to heat in embarrassment (and something else you had no interest in naming) as you growled, “Fuck off, Ransom. I’m sure this building has other hallways for you to lurk in. Please just leave this one to me.”

You looked down, waiting for him to leave, but he didn’t move. Instead, you felt his intense stare on you. When you finally looked back up, his gaze was softer than you expected. “Is it your mom again?” he asked. 

You pushed yourself back into the wall, for lack of anywhere to hide. It was easy to forget when he was such an asshole, when all you did was trade barbs, how much he’d seen, how well he knew you. All you could do was shrug, with a quiet, “You know how she is.”

He hummed thoughtfully. “Still wants a mini-me instead of an actual human daughter?”

You sighed. It was too much, too real, to have him here like this. You almost preferred it when he was insulting you. “I really just want to be alone right now, Ran. Please.”

“No, you don’t,” he said, shaking his head. His voice was so sure, firm.

“Excuse me?” you bit out, the acid coming back.

“If I leave you alone, you’re just going to stand back here and spiral until you’ve made yourself completely fucking miserable. To the point where it’ll take you days to come out of it. That is not what you actually want.”

His certainty lit a fire inside of you. “I know,” you growled out, “that you think you know everything, but you aren’t actually the expert on me, Ransom.”

“Aren’t I?” he asked, with a hint of that smirk returning. It made you want to punch him in his beautiful face.

“Just leave me the fuck alone.”

“Goddamnit, will you just fucking let me do this for you? I know it’s been a while, but I know you. Better than any of those assholes out there.” He threw an emphatic arm back towards the party. “Including your fucking parents. You can talk to me.”

“And say what, Ran? That she’s still dragging me to these things even though she knows what they do to me? That she’s decided that there’s not much to brag about in a single daughter to her society friends, so these fucking events have become matchmaking opportunities too? That she will never tire of reminding me just how much I’m not the person she wants me to be? It’s just the same old bullshit. It’s not your problem anymore. It barely was even when we were together.” You sagged back against the wall, all of your energy leeched out of you.

Ransom was quiet for a very long moment. You hoped that meant he might leave, finally seeing what a lost cause this all was. Instead, when he finally spoke, he said, “She always really hated me.”

“Yeah, Ran,” you sighed. “She hates a lot of people.”

“No,” he said, with a smile that still had a touch of meanness to it, but, as always, you could somehow tell that none of that meanness was directed at you, “what I’m trying to say is I bet it would fucking piss her off if you walked back into that party with me on your arm. Spent the whole night with me. Left with me, even. I bet she’d be so angry. I bet it’d ruin her whole fucking week.”

You burst into laughter. You couldn’t help it. No one could do petty like Ransom. You’d forgotten how fun that could be. “Yeah? That’s why you want to hang out with me? To piss off my mom?”

“No, that’s why you want to hang out with me. I want to hang out with you because you’re always the hottest person at these things.” And then he gave you the most shameless once-over you’d ever received.

“Oh my god,” you chuckled with an overly fond eye-roll, despite yourself. He was always just so Ransom. The things about him that pissed you off and drew you to him in equal measure never changed. You were sure they never would. “What about you? I’m sure you have lots of people to piss off. How are Richard and Linda?”

He gave you a bright smile. “Oh, just the absolute fucking worst. As ever.”

You laughed again. “Glad to hear we’re still in the same boat, at least.” You pushed yourself off the wall and took a step closer to him, feeling like you might finally be ready to venture back into the party. “What were you doing back here, anyway? Do you need to finish finding whatever it is you were looking for?”

Ransom glanced away from you for just a moment and then shrugged. “Nah. I was bored out of my mind out there and then saw your mom swanning around, in rare form even for her. Figured I’d probably find you back here.”

You touched his arm without thinking, warmth spreading through your chest. “Wait, you were looking for me?”

He shrugged again. “I know how much you hate these things. Thought you might need checking up on.”

All you could do was stare at him, all the best feelings from your time together rushing back over you. “You’re very surprising, Ransom,” you said, quietly.

He shook his head with a rueful grin. “No,” he said, “definitely not that. I’m just the same old asshole.” He offered you his arm. “Come on, let’s see if we can make that vein in your mom’s forehead throb.”

Tag list is open

@stargazingfangirl18 @thezombieprostitute @jaqui-has-a-conspiracy-theory @bval-1 @km-ffluv @texmexdarling @ladyvenera @roxyfan14-blog @darkserenity24 @midnightramyeoncravings @whiskeytangofoxtrot555 @ronearoundblindly

[rei-ismyname]

X-MEN #9 Review - Raid on Graymalkin 3/4

Crossover events always have a lot of moving parts, keeping track of them while driving the story forward in a coherent fashion has to be a mark of success. X-Men #8 started the event off elegantly, keeping the momentum up until the very last page when the two X-Men squads came face to face. Uncanny #7 muddled that up and didn't get a lot done by slowing down, but X-Men #9 is a worthy successor to the previous issue - it's kinetic and always moving forward, with enough variation in tension to make the big moments hit. Mackay seems to be hitting his stride, which makes me happy.

'They're not just mutants. They're X-Men.' Damn right.

Uncanny #7 put the brakes on by recapping and introducing petty conflict, though it did recontextualise the planning phase of the raid. Rogue came out of it looking petulant and irresponsible - something that I think it's healthy to just accept - I'll discuss that in her book. Here and now it's a problem that our Alaskan team have to navigate, the recklessness of allies blown up in everyone's faces. At least they've stopped fighting. As I said at the start of the event, one of the metrics I'm judging on is how well this event fulfills its promises - primarily a much hyped ideological divide between Rogue and Cyclops.

Immediately we follow up on where Kurt and Psylocke teleported to, after some posturing Kurt theorises that they're being manipulated. They start working together. Nice! This will pay off later without taking up too much space. Call it the C plot. The B plot is the POV of the Graymalkin command centre, with Ellis being the worst and downplaying the X-Men's effectiveness. Captain Ezra disagrees, while Scurvy confirms he's tampering with the X-Men's emotions. Importantly he can't do that and control the Trustees, implying that he was speaking through the Blob and Siryn last issue.

The fight between the two teams of X-Men and Graymalkin's forces takes up quite a lot of the issue. It's well executed with cross-team bonding moments and shows how well they can work together.

Ransom redeems himself a bit after starting this fight by stepping in after Temper is knocked down. There seems to be some chemistry there, which is cute, and also shows that Rogue's team isn't following her lead unthinkingly. It's a good character beat and a reasonable side effect of her poor leadership. The joint X-teams take out the trustees and Wolfpack easily, allowing conversation to resume.

I will say that Marvel has a habit of pairing dark skinned characters romantically, enough to give a slight creepy miscegenation vibe to me. That's probably its own post though, after my white ass does a lot of research.

The argument continues in the command centre, with nobody having changed their mind. Scurvy especially has a defeatist attitude, so Ellis slaps the shit out of him and lets him off the leash. It's revealed he claims to be the equal of Xavier telepathically, with Chuck conceding that he's a concern in the Infinity Comics, but what we've seen in this event has been pretty weak (except for controlling multiple people.) His offensive utility has been underwhelming.

Kurt and Psylocke agree that they shouldn't free Omega Red. Presumably they didn't read X-Force where he'd made a lot of progress reforming and responded well to not being manipulated or controlled. Kinda like Wolverine. I hope that's not undone.

The two X-Men teams are bonding even further, calling back to the old days. They reach a tentative agreement to collaborate, but then the sticking point from Uncanny #7 resurfaces. Ignoring Scott's valid question of whether freeing Charles is a good idea, Rogue insists they free him with no explanation.

Scott doesn't just disagree, he meets Rogue's absolute stance and refuses to allow it. They've both flipped to the opposite of their original positions. Scott wanted to break the prison and Rogue just wanted her people back. This is explicitly the leaders butting heads and Rogue escalates into accusation and chest poking.

Scott keeps his cool and explains his position, removing Rogue's finger from his chest. He makes an excellent point though it could be explained better. The guts of the argument is present, but he doesn't mention the many examples of Charles' oversized influence. He shouldn't really need to, though, and the closeups we get of Logan, Gambit, Magik, Temper and Juggernaut implies they at least think he has a point if not outright agree.

This is an ideological difference between the two, as promised, but it doesn't look like Rogue is coming from a place of reason. She doesn't respond to his argument or show any empathy for his uniquely informed position. Scott knows better than anyone what Xavier is like, having been his child soldier since he was 15. Rogue should absolutely know he has a point, too, but she's not interested in hearing it. Rogue delivers a violent ultimatum and Scott pushes back, standing his ground by putting his body in between her and Charles. It's disappointing in the sense that it's a bad outcome, but it's consistent with Rogue's cowboy characterisation so far. She knows best and isn't interested in talking about it. We don't actually know if Scurvy is still affecting them, as he's not controlling the trustees anymore.

Then this clown shows up, interrupting the argument. Scurvy makes a badass boast, though it's not quite clear what he's actually doing beyond 'psychic attack.' Nobody attempts to use Red Triangle protocol but maybe it doesn't work that way. It's implied he's a telekinetic as well, though his reason for believing in this 'dream' isn't fleshed out just yet. Working with Ellis I'd assume would be against his interests, and a new psychic rivalling Chuck should be significant. Maybe he's a product of 3K. My question is - if he can do this, why bother with weak emotional tweaks? He seemed reluctant to enact White Light Protocol but we don't know why.

Famously, The Juggernaut has impeccable psychic defences while wearing the helmet, so he tries to get the door open thinking they need Charles to take this guy down. I wonder if Quentin would be able to thrash him? Probably, though he was taken out last issue.

Surprisingly, Charles Xavier casually strolls up flanked by Kurt and Psylocke. Interestingly their faces are pointedly covered by hair, so I'm not sure this can be taken at face value. Chuck reveals he's not Inmate X and does a heavy handed title drop for the reboot line.

The issue ends there on another cliffhanger with Raid on Graymalkin to be concluded in Uncanny X-Men issue #8. X-Men #9 was solid, a slight step down from #8 but with the inherited responsibility to follow Uncanny #7's chaotic plotting and sluggish momentum. I give it a pass for that, though it would have been nice to continue the Rogue/Cyclops discourse in a linear fashion. That wasn't possible without leaving out crucial information and development so I give it a pass on that. Importantly, the promised ideological divide was actually developed. It felt like a genuine disagreement the two might have, and I loved the atypical layout that gave us the team members' reactions to Scott's reasoning. That's important as these people all have extensive experience with Charles Xavier and a stake in the outcome. Rogue came across as unreasonable and impetuous as she's been characterised this era. While I don't think it's a good look for her, I can appreciate the consistency. If this is where Rogue is at right now there's plenty of conflict and drama to be had there.

Part of the problem with this event's tension is rampant editorialising. We more or less know how this ends so the execution needs to be excellent. Mackay and Stegman have done their part really well, though I'll be reserving my judgement on the promise that needs paying off - the Rogue Cyclops Schism - for when Uncanny finishes the event. If that is actually Xavier I'd expect him to dominate the narrative but I expect he'll choose to stay as @mkpersephone theorised. That will be a problem for selling the ideological divide believably, but it's on Simone to land that plane. My one complaint about missing story beats is Scott's team being acutely aware of the consequences for the Raid. I think a reminder would have been helpful, preferably said to Rogue's face.

Looky look, a blanked out data page! How very Krakoan of them :). Who's your guess for Inmate X? Shaw? Legion? Colossus? Omega Red? xZibit? Exodus? Angus MacWhirter? Briar Raleigh? I've got no idea. Exceptional X-Men #4 review coming soon! ❤️

[pupkinpumpkin]

Silly little headcanons for what all my DA protags are doing during Veilguard 🩷

- My Elena Cousland is NOT sitting back and watching Ferelden go to shit. She may have put the life of a Grey Warden behind her, but she and Alistair are protecting their country no matter what

- Before Alistair and Elena go on their 'save Ferelden' mission, they're getting the gang back together. Or, at least, as much of the gang as they can get. They're picking Sten up from Par Vollen, grabbing Zevran from wherever he is, and taking Sigrun, Oghren, Velanna, and Nathaniel away from the First Warden's grasp. Anders is busy, but he sends his love. While they're out grabbing their friends, their son Duncan is running Ferelden in their stead while their daughter Faith, a grey warden, is off in Weisshaupt, and then Lavendal

Morrigan and Leliana are busy as advisor and pope, so they mostly just send vital info to each other, but Morrigan does pop up once through an Eluvian to say hi.

Alistair and Elena take turns fighting battles so if anything happens to one of them, Ferelden still has a leader to rule.

- After Inquisition, once Varric becomes Viscount, he officially pardons Hawke from any of the crimes she may or may not have committed, allowing her to return to Kirkwall. They spend many years together, mostly rebuilding Kirkwall and annoying Aveline, with Hawke becoming much more mentally stable after literally everything that happened in DA2.

This makes the blow of Varric dying a lot less heavy and soul crushing, but soul crushing nonetheless. After about two weeks of going ballistic in the Hall of Valor matches out of grief and binge drinking with Isabela, Merrill, and Fenris, she returns to Kirkwall to help Aveline and very very begrudgingly agrees to work with Sebastian. Isabela stays in Rivain, Merrill goes to help the Veil Jumpers, Fenris is doing shit with the Shadow Dragons, Anders is with the Inquisition, and Bethany is with the grey wardens.

She mourns Varric and absolutely wants to kill Solas, but she's learned from DA2, fighting harder for her home instead of wallowing in what she could and couldn't have done to save him.

- Lavellan is obviously working hard to save the South, but it is harder with the Inquisition being disbanded and also having 4 kids and a dog. She, Hawke, and Cousland have all come into contact at one point during Veilguard. Hawke to mourn Varric, and Cousland to prepare and defend against the blight.

Lavellan gathers up old friends and gives them each a mission. Cassandra, Cullen, Blackwall, and Iron Bull all go to recruit people to join their cause, work with Ferelden's armies to set up defenses, make battle plans, and train any recruits

Vivienne, Leliana, and Josephine use their political influence to convince the Avvar, Chasind, Orlesians, etc, to band together

Cole and Anders help set up camps and hospitals to help those in need

Sera and Charter use their contacts, spies, and Red Jennys to find useful information about where the blight might be spreading or learn what towns may need the most help. Dorian is of course busy in Minrathous, but they communicate via message crystal, and whenever she meets up with Iron Bull, she lets him use the message crystal so he and Dorian can talk for a while. Babysitting duty goes to Leliana's guards, who did not sign up for this shit.

At one point, Lavellan and Cullen's youngest daughter Bunny gets kidnapped and ransomed, which isn't great, but after the bloodbath, Bunny is safe and Lavellan and Cullen are back on track. Almost all of Lavellan's friends say she can't redeem Solas and might need to kill him, which makes her job a lot more stressful.

Overall, their year is very busy and very stressful, but I'll be damned if they just stood back and watched their homes fall.

[walkthroughtheword]

Awesome God, how majestic and glorious are you that you would redeem us by the blood of Jesus Christ. He has paid our dues, our ransom, so that we might have eternal life. We are grateful and overwhelmed by this gift and act of love. Help us all to share this Good News with everyone we know. We pray this all in Jesus’ mighty name. Amen.

[solidrockistand]

Bought with a Price

1st Corinthians 6:19-20

1st Corinthians 6:19: Or do you now know that your body is a temple of the holy spirit within you whom you have from God? You are not your own.

john 2:21: But he was speaking about the temple of his body.

Romans 14:7-8: For none of us lives to himself, and none of us dies to himself. For is we live, we live to the Lord and if we die we die to the Lord so then whether we live or whether we die we are the Lords

In reference to Romans 14:7-8

2nd Corinthians 5:15: And he died for all, that those who live might no longer live for themselves but for him who for their sake died and was raised.

Galatians 2:20: I myself no longer live, but Christ lives in me. So i live my life in this earthly body by trusting in the son of God who loved me and gave himself for me

In Reference to Romans 14:8

Philippians 1:20: As it is my eager expectation and hope that I will not be at all ashamed but with full coverage now as always Christ will be honored in my body, whether by life or by death

1st Corinthians 6:20: For you were bought with a price so glorify God in your body.

Psalms 74:2: Remember your congregation which you have purchased of old, which you have redeemed to be the tribe of your heritage. Remember Mount Zion where you have dwelt.

Matthew 20:28: Even as the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve and to give his life as a ransom for many!

Acts 20:28: Pay careful attention to yourselves and to all the flock in which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers to care for the church of God which he obtained with his own blood.

1st Corinthians 7:23: You were bought with a price; do not become slaves to men.

Revelation 5:9: And they sand a new song, saying "Worthy are you to take the scroll and to open its seals, for you were slain and by your blood your ransomed people for God from every tribe and language and people and nation.

Revelation 14:4: It is these who have not defiled themselves with women. For they are virgins, it is these who follow the lamb wherever he goes. These have been redeemed from mankind as first fruits for God and the Lamb

[walkswithmyfather]

“I am going to prepare a place for you!” (John MacDuff, "The Words of Jesus")

"I am going to prepare a place for you! When everything is ready, I will come and get you, so that you will always be with Me where I am." John 14:2-3

What a wondrous thought!

Jesus is now busied in Heaven in His people's behalf! He can find no abode in all His wide dominions, befitting as a permanent dwelling for His ransomed ones.

He says, "I will make a new heavens and a new earth. I will found a special kingdom. I will rear eternal mansions expressly for those I have redeemed with my blood!"

Orphaned pilgrims, dry your tears! Soon the sighs of a groaning and burdened creation will be heard no more. Soon He will come again, to receive those who followed Him in His cross, to be everlasting partakers with Him in His crown!”

“For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain!” Philippians 1:21

“I desire to depart and be with Christ, which is better by far!” Philippians 1:23

#CarryTheLight

[blac-ivy]

Twilight fandom is inarguably one of the biggest, most enduring fandoms, yet there is so little work written for it, which really surpises me.

Did anyone watch the riot club?

I hated thoses rich bastards but I need an x reader fic fix so BADDD.

Like the girlies who like Draco Malfoy, Ransom Drysdale, Lloyd Hansen and other rich asshole characters with little to no redeemable qualities y'all didn't eat it up like I did?

Y'all seen Max Irons in that movie? Douglas Booth? Sam Claflin? And you felt nothing.

Please I need a The Riot Club revival.

I know they suck majorly but I just do.

[mybeautifulchristianjourney]

Thanks Be Unto God

a Prayer by Charles Spurgeon

O LORD God, help us now really to worship Thee. We would thank Thee for this occasion. We bless Thy name for setting apart this hallowed season. Lord, wilt Thou shut the door upon the world for us? Help us to forget our cares. Enable us to rise clean out of this world. May we get rid of all its down-dragging tendencies. May the attractions of these grossest things be gone and do Thou catch us away to Thyself.

We do not ask to be entranced nor to see an angel in shining apparel, but we do ask that by faith we may see Jesus and may His presence be so evidently realized among us that we may rejoice as well as if our eyes beheld Him, and love Him and trust Him and worship Him as earnestly as we should do if we could now put our fingers into the print of the nails.

O, Thou precious Lord Jesus Christ, we do adore Thee with all our hearts. Thou art Lord of all. We bless Thee for becoming man that Thou mightest be our next of kin, and being next of kin, we bless Thee for taking us into marriage union with Thyself and for redeeming us and our inheritance from the captivity into which we were sold. Thou hast paid Thy life for Thy people. Thou hast ransomed Thy folk with Thy heart’s blood. Be Thou, therefore, forever beloved and adored.

And now Thou art not here for Thou art risen. Our souls would track the shining way by which Thou hast ascended through the gate of pearl up to Thy Father’s throne. We seem to see Thee sitting there, man, yet God, reigning over all things for Thy people and our ears almost catch the accents of the everlasting song which rolls up at Thy feet, “Worthy is the Lamb that was slain to receive honor, and power, and glory, and dominion, and might forever and ever.” Lord, we say, “Amen.” From the outskirts of the crowd that surround Thy throne, we lift up our feeble voices in earnest “Amens,” for Thou wast slain and hast redeemed us to God by Thy blood and hast made us kings and priests unto God, and we shall reign with Thee, for though far off by space, we know that we are very near to Thy heart.

Thou lookest over the heads of the angelic squadrons to behold us and Thou dost hear the praises—aye, and the groans of Thy well-beloved, for are not we most near Thee, Thy flesh and Thy bones? We know we are. We feel the ties of kinship within us. We our best Beloved’s are, and He is ours, and we are longing to get through the crowd that surround Him, and to get to the forefront, and there to bow prostrate at the dear feet that were nailed to the tree for us, and worship the Lamb who liveth forever and ever, who has prevailed to take the book and loose the seven seals thereof, to Whom be glory, world without end. Hallelujah!

O, Savior, accept these our poor praises. They come from those Thou lovest, and as we prize any little things that come from those we love, so do we feel that Thou wilt accept the thanksgiving, the reverential homage of Thy people, redeemed ones who are a people near unto Thee, whose names are graven on the palms of Thy hands, of whom Thou art the active head and for whom Thy heart beats true and full of love even now.

Oh, we can say we love Thee. We wish we loved Thee more, but Thou art very dear to us. There is nought on earth like Thee. For the love of Thy name we would live and die. If we think we love Thee more than we do, we pray that we may yet love Thee more than we think. Oh, take these hearts right away and unite them with Thine own, and be Thou heart and soul and life and everything to us, for whom have we in heaven but Thee and there is none upon earth we desire beside Thee.

We worship the Father, we worship the Son, we worship the Holy Ghost with all the powers of our being. We fall prostrate before the awful yet glorious throne of the Infinite Majesty of heaven. The Lord accept us since we offer these praises in the name of Jesus.

And now most blessed Lord, look down upon those who do not love Thee. O Redeemer, look upon them with those eyes of Thine which are as flames of fire. Let them see how ill they treat Thee. May they consider within themselves how dire is the ingratitude which can be negligent of a Savior’s blood, indifferent from a Savior’s heart. Oh, bring the careless and the godless to seek for mercy. Let those that are postponing serious things begin to see that the very thought of postponement of the claims of Christ is treason against His Majesty. O Savior, dart Thine arrows abroad and let them wound many that they may fall down before thee and cry out for mercy.

But there are some who are wounded, broken hearts that seek peace—men and women, like Cornelius, that want to hear the words which God commands.

Oh, come divine Physician and bind up every broken bone. Come with Thy sacred nard which Thou hast compounded of Thine own heart’s blood, and lay it home to the wounded conscience, and let it feel its power. Oh! give peace to those whose conscience is like the troubled sea which cannot rest.

O God, our God, let not the teaching of the Sunday school, the preaching of the evangelists, the personal visitations of individual minds, let not any of these efforts be in vain. Do give conversions. We groan out this prayer from our very heart, yet can we also sing it, for Thou hast heard us plenteously already, and our heart doth rejoice in God the Savior who worketh so graciously among the children of men.

We have been astonished as the Holy Ghost has fallen even upon the chief of sinners, and men afar off from God have been brought in. But, Lord, do more of this among us. Let us see greater things than these. Where we have had one saved, let us have a hundred to the praise of the glorious name and the Well-beloved.

Lord, keep us all from sin. Teach us how to walk circumspectly. Enable us to guard our minds against error of doctrine, our hearts against wrong feelings, and our lives against evil actions. Oh, may we never speak unadvisedly with our lips, nor give way to anger. Above all, keep us from covetousness which is idolatry and from malice which is of the devil. Grant unto us to be full of sweetness and light. May love dwell in us and reign in us. May we look not every man on his own things, but every man on the things of others. Give us to live for Jesus. There is no life like it. Help us to be Christly men, Christ’s men, and may we in all things reflect the light which we receive from Him.

Bless our beloved Church and all its organizations. O God, take care of it. Oh! do thou make every member of the Church a pastor over others. Let all strive together for the good of all and so may Thy kingdom come among us.

And do Thou prosper all the churches of Jesus Christ. What we ask for ourselves we seek for them. Let missionaries especially be helped by Thy Spirit and may there come a day in which the minds of men may be better prepared to receive the Gospel, and may Messiah’s kingdom come to the overthrow of her that sitteth on the Seven Hills, and to the eternal waning of Mohammed’s moon, to the overthrow of every idol, that Christ alone may reign. Our whole heart comes out in this. Reign, Immanuel, reign. Sit on the high throne. Ride on Thy white horse and let the armies of heaven follow thee, conquering and to conquer. Come, Lord Jesus, even so, come quickly. Amen and amen.

[apenitentialprayer]

Prayer for the Beatification of Zita Bourbon-Parma

God our Father, You redeemed the world by the humility of Your Son, our Lord Jesus Christ. He who was King became a Servant and gave His life as a ransom for many, therefore You have exalted Him.

We ask You that Your servant Zita, empress and queen, will be raised to the altars of Your Church. In her, You have given us an admirable example of faith and hope in the face of trials, as well as an unshakeable confidence in Your divine providence.

We beseech You that, alongside her husband, the Blessed Emperor Charles, Zita will become for couples a model of conjugal fidelity and love, and for families a guide in the ways of a truly Christian upbringing. May she who in all circumstances opened her heart to the needs of others, especially the very poor, be for us all an example of service and love of neighbor.

Through her intercession, grant our petition [mentioned here]; through Christ our Lord. Amen.

One Father… Hail Mary… Glory Be…

[twiggy-in-pink]

Why should I fear when trouble comes,

when enemies surround me?

They trust in their wealth

and boast of great riches.

Yet they cannot redeem themselves from death

by paying a ransom to God.

Redemption does not come so easily,

for no one can ever pay enough

to live forever

and never see the grave.

Psalm 49:5-9

[pharmaciacatholica]

The incomprehensible thing, which Matthew throws into relief in his portrayal, the thing that turns upside-down the whole temporal and material order of preparation of the path and coming of the Lord, is the baptism of Jesus:

The Baptist himself parries Jesus’ request, in consciousness of his own repentance—‘I need to be baptised by you, and do you come to me?’ The reply explains—in genuinely Matthaean colouring (cf. 5.17f.)—that fulfilment signifies not a rupture, but the fulfilment of all God’sways (‘Let it be so, for so it is fitting for us (both) to fulfil all righteousness’). When the Baptist responds by ‘letting it happen’ (ἀφίησιν αὐτόν), the obedience is converted and becomes directly ‘Marian’ (Lk 1.38) — and the new obedience expresses its form in the old: the ‘increasing’ of the redeemer to the point of his becoming one with all who confess their sins forces the one who declares the promise to ‘decrease’ (Jn 3.30) into this inimitable vanishing.

Jesus’ descent into the river is at the same time solidarity with all who confess their guilt & dive into the waters of judgment and salvation, and—as solidarity— obedience to the voice of God which sounds forth from the prophet’s voice, and thus obedience incarnated in history. Jesus’ initiative attains immediately to its fulfilment, for he ‘rises up’ out of the waters, and his act of ‘coming up from beneath’ is answered by the ‘coming down from above’ of the ‘Spirit (of God)’: here we see that incarnation is the encounter, to the point of identification, of the Israel who has been made ready and the God of the covenant who descends to Israel.

But this event is contained in the interpretation given at the close by the ‘voice from heaven’: ‘You are’ (Mark), or as the Baptist too hears it then, ‘This is my beloved Son’ (Matthew and Luke). This is not to be given an adoptionist explanation nor [yet] a Trinitarian explanation in the sense of dogmatic theology, but rather a soteriological explanation, for it is an allusion to the ‘beloved’, ‘my chosen servant’ (Is 42.1), specifically to the Servant of Yahweh who was the concluding image of the old salvation history, and was to become the ransomer of the people as the obedient one, humbled vicariously and therefore raised on high.

Servant of God Hans urs von Balthasar, Glory of the Lord