Today’s scripture: Ephesians1:7
A few days ago, we looked at a new definition of riches. Today’s verse talks
about how “the riches of His grace” brings some amazing gifts: redemption and
forgiveness.
One definition of redeemed is “gain
or regain possession of (something) in exchange for payment.” Another is “to
make (something that is bad, unpleasant, etc.) better or more acceptable.”
A biblical definition is a bit more complex:
Finding its context in the social, legal, and religious customs of the ancient
world, the metaphor of redemption includes the ideas of loosing from a bond,
setting free from captivity or slavery, buying back something lost or sold,
exchanging something in one’s possession for something possessed by another,
and ransoming (Bible Study Tools).
When I think of what Jesus did for me to redeem me, to take formerly “bad and
unpleasant” me and “setting [me] free from the captivity” of sin, I’m humbled.
Through God’s grace, Jesus paid my penalty. He gave His life to save mine.
I am redeemed. I am forgiven.
I have received the riches of God’s grace. And if you have surrendered your
life to Him? You have too.
Today’s scripture: Philippians 3:12-14
When I recommitted my life to the Lord over 22 years ago, I adopted Philippians
3:13-14 as my life verses. Short story: Although I’d asked Jesus to come into
my heart when I was six years old, I’d allowed some painful situations to take
me away from my child-like faith. For twenty years, I walked a deliberate path,
one that was far from my Lord, and I made some really poor choices.
For a time after I found my way back to the arms of the Father, I’d beat myself
up with regret over those twenty lost years. If only I’d been stronger. If only
I’d clung more tightly to Jesus. If only …
Then God blessed me with these verses. I don’t have to live in the past. I
don’t have to continually berate myself for former choices. When I asked Jesus
to take over my life—completely—and forgive me for all the things I’d done that
were wrong and selfish and rebellious, He forgave me. He washed me clean. He
removed my sin as far as the east is from the west (Psalm 103:12).
I didn’t have to look at what had been. Rather, I could look forward to what
God had planned for my future. I could anticipate being used for His glory, to
serve others. I could delight in knowing that, one day, I’ll receive the prize
of eternity with Christ Jesus.
These verses have been a comfort and have encouraged me countless times. And I
praise God for the assurance I have that He has truly forgiven me. That He
continues to work in and through me. That the story isn’t quite complete.
I can press on, knowing He’s beside me all the way.
Today's scripture: Psalm 111:9
We talked about what I claim is the greatest gift from God, grace, a couple of days ago. Another of the greatest gifts we receive is that we're
redeemed. What an amazing blessing it is to know we’re free from the
consequences of sin!
Even though Adam and Eve chose to follow their own path and thus sin entered
the world, God loved His children so much, He “sent redemption” to us. He
established a covenant with the people of Israel, and atonement came through
annual sacrifice. Why was this sacrifice required? God is holy, and without His
providing a plan of redemption, we would be forever separated from Him. But He
loves us too much for that.
So throughout the Old Testament, atonement was for God’s chosen people. Oh, but
then the New Covenant! My favorite holiday is Easter because we celebrate the
culmination of God’s plan for the redemption of all mankind: the death, burial, and resurrection of God
the Son, Jesus Christ.
That’s how much God loves us: “For God so loved the world that He gave His only
begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him will not perish but have eternal
life” (John 3:16). And anyone who “calls on the name of the LORD will be saved”
(Romans 10:13).
What an amazing, awesome God we serve.
Praise Him today … and every day.
Today's
scripture: Ephesians 1:7-12
In Him—in our Lord Jesus Christ—we have been given so much.
As we learned Friday, God had a plan to make redemption and forgiveness
available to both Jew and Gentile.
In God’s perfect plan, anyone who believes in Jesus as Lord and Savior and
accepts the free gift of salvation receives God’s grace and mercy. These verses
remind us of other blessings:
We receive redemption. According to Merriam-Webster’s
Dictionary, redeem means to “buy
back,” to “release from blame or debt” or to “free from the consequences of
sin.” Because of our Lord’s love for us, we are “free from the consequences of
sin.”
We know the “mystery of His will.” While God may not reveal all of His will to
us, if we ask Him to direct our paths, if we surrender ourselves completely to
Him, He will guide us.
We can be assured that He has a purpose for our lives. And sometimes, for me at
least, this is the one that gets me up in the morning. If I didn’t believe God
had a purpose for my pain, I’d never get out of bed. Days like today, when the
pain level is almost off the charts, make me long for heaven, “... having a
desire to depart and be with Christ, which is far better” (Philippians 1:23). I
know, however, that God isn’t finished with my earthly journey yet; He still
has a purpose for me.
So I crawl out of bed, praising Him that I can do so. I praise Him for
redemption. I praise Him for His will for me. I praise Him for His purpose.
He is such a good God!
Today's scripture: Psalm 111:9
One of the greatest gifts we receive as followers of Christ is that we're
redeemed What an amazing blessing it is to know we’re “free from the
consequences of sin” (Webster’s Dictionary)!
Even though Adam and Eve chose to follow their own path and thus sin entered
the world, God loved His children so much, He “sent redemption” to us. He
established a covenant with the people of Israel , and atonement came through
annual sacrifice. Why was this sacrifice required? God is holy, and without His
providing a plan of redemption, we would be forever separated from Him. But He
loves us too much for that.
So throughout the Old Testament, atonement was for God’s chosen people. Oh, but
then the New Covenant! Each Easter, we celebrate the
culmination of God’s plan for the redemption of all mankind: the death, burial, and resurrection of God
the Son, Jesus Christ.
That’s how much God loves us: “For God so loved the world that He gave His only
begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him will not perish, but have eternal
life” (John 3:16). And anyone who “calls on the name of the LORD will be saved”
(Romans 10:13, NKJV).
What an amazing, awesome God we serve!
Praise Him today … and every day.
