“Now this is what the Lord says, He who created you…Fear not for I have redeemed you, I have called you by your name. You are mine.” Isaiah 43:1 The word “redeem” means to buy back or re-purchase what already belongs to you.
In the back of the store, there is usually a section of discounted products called “damaged goods.” Typically, these items have been returned because they were imperfect. You and I were damaged goods that Jesus came to redeem. The enemy had a claim on us, but God’s Son, Jesus Christ, Himself, paid the price with His own blood. He redeemed, recovered, and released us from the consequences of death. Redemption sees the value in damaged goods and damaged lives.
I Corinthians 7:23 (TLB)
“You have been bought and paid for by Christ, so you belong to Him.”
Practical Application and Assignments:
If you have been uncovered through sin and the shame it brings, God wants to redeem and recover you. Condemnation never comes from God. God’s correction is always for the purpose of redemption.
- Read Psalm, chapter 34. It is a heart-wrenching cry to God from David’s depth of despair, during a life-threatening predicament. He said, “A righteous man may have many troubles, but the Lord delivers him from them all…He redeems his servants.” Psalm 34:19,22 (NIV)
- Let the redeemed of the Lord say so! Redemption is God turning your mess into a message, your test into a testimony, and your distress into deliverance.
- Write your own song. If God has redeemed you, you have a song the angels cannot sing. Rejoice and sing the song of the redeemed. Happy thoughts make you want to sing. Give them a tune and make your own music.
“In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God’s grace.” Ephesians 1:7 (NIV)
