Redemptor Savior

Acts of redemption are all around us, happening continuously in a routine part of life.  When there is something we want, we redeem that item for the cash in our bank account.  When we make a mistake, especially one which inflicts pain on others, we want to redeem ourselves in their eyes.  We engage in acts of redemption on a daily, perhaps even hourly, basis, without ever considering the larger impact of what it is and what it means for our lives.

Redemption is a basic linchpin of the Christian faith.  In fact, it is such a fundamental part of our faith, we often toss the word around carelessly, thoughtlessly, without a deeper consideration for what it means, or how it comes about.  That Jesus died on the cross to redeem us from Satan's power is such a basic part of what we believe, it is easy to take for granted what he truly gave us.

Whether we are talking about the sacrifice of Jesus, or something less life changing, redemption is an act of exchange.  Whether we are giving up our life for someone else, giving up our money, or giving up something less tangible, we are exchanging what we have now in order to obtain something we want more.

Acts of redemption are not always easy.  There are times we would prefer not to have to give up what we already have in order to get something different.   Whether it's a matter of a few dollars, or giving up the life we love, some sacrifices are very difficult to make, even when we know there is a higher purpose, or it is necessary in some way.

There are many times in life when we are required to step out on faith, hoping that the sacrifice we are making now will bring something better in the future.  Whether you are starting a new job, or having a baby, or dropping that baby off at college, moving, or simply making changes in your life in ways that only you know, giving up the comfortable present for the uncertain future is an act of redemption.

Even Jesus was reluctant to make the sacrifice, calling out to God that he felt forsaken and asking that this trial be taken from him.  Like us, it wasn't that he didn't want the ultimate outcome, but sometimes the path to get there can be hard.  We humans, weak and willful, sometimes don't want to travel the road to reach the destination if it is going to be difficult or painful.  But he completed his redemptive act out of love and obligation, trusting that God's power would make that exchange worth the sacrifice.  As always, his perfect example is a road map for us to follow, his act of redemption making the exchanges asked of us seem much more manageable.

In Chapter 6 of Paul's letter to the Ephesians, he wrote in verses 19-20:  "Pray also for me, that whenever I speak, words may be given to me so that I will fearlessly make know the mystery of the gospel, for which I am an ambassador in chains.  Pray that I may declare it fearlessly, as I should."

Paul felt fear, and it was not easy for him to proclaim his faith.  He struggled to redeem both himself and those who heard him through his words as he fought through imprisonment and eventual death for his faith.  He lived under constant threat, and yet, he continued to proclaim the redeeming power of God's word.  He called out regularly for the help of God to achieve this goal, knowing that by walking in the path God set for him, he would bring about something more perfect even than the earthly life he surely loved.

His ultimate example, his willingness to follow God's will for his life, even unto death, is one which inspires and encourages me daily.  The redemptive power of God's plan is worth every sacrifice, every exchange we can make, and the ultimate outcome will be eternity in paradise with our Father in heaven.  When God asks us to exchange our earthly freedom of choice for the chains of faithfulness, redemption can come unexpectedly, and all the more sweetly.

When we follow God's will for our lives, whatever we are sacrificing will be as nothing in the redemption that follows.  As you go through your day, think about the many redemptive acts in which you are engaging, and use them as a reminder of the ultimate act of redemption made for your salvation.

God is merciful, and his power and grace are unfathomable.  Wishing you the peace of redemption today and every day.