The thing about redemption is that it screams out “there is hope!” Even in the worst situations where hope appears lost, the story of redemption says it’s worth holding out for hope.
The theme of redemption is particularly something that means a lot to me. There are so many episodes in my life where I have messed up big time. It would be easy under the circumstances to have a low view of myself and hold out little hope for things better for me. I remember in the times of recognising how badly things had been messed up just reflecting on things and wondering how on earth could I ever be trusted again or how on earth could I even think that things could ever see the light of day.
It is during times like this that I know the love of God is real and it is redemptive. There are the tough seasons of confession and repentance that I’ve walked through and the recognising of the pain that my actions have caused. The separation, the hurt, the betrayal, the loss, the anger – all of that. Yet through it all, not only has God never given up on me, He has brought me into positions that continue to amaze and astound me. I lose some really precious relationships and He provides new and revitalising ones that continue to enrich and encourage me. I think I’m all alone one moment and a crew of folks are specifically put in my life just to prove the love of God is real and can be experienced with people who care.
Not only that, but then he goes onto call me to Himself and be a witness of His wonder as I go about His mission once more. I am not disqualified because confession and repentance are carried out on the basis of His grace that continues to say He is faithful and just to forgive me and cleanse me of all unrighteousness. He redeems – and it’s like He takes great delight in doing so – redeeming for His honour, restoring for His glory, displaying to all that even – as the hymn goes – the vilest offender who truly believes that moment from Jesus a pardon receives. He loves it. And as He loves it, so He has got me into the thinking that it’s worth me loving it too.
It’s lead me to spend some time with folks that society seems to have thrown on the rubbish heap. Come alongside men and women who aren’t considered for much because of the mistakes they have made and the decisions they have acted on with dire consequences. I understand to a degree why others have ruled them out. I understand why others find it difficult to go past the grief and pain they caused. Ah but when I am able to work past the fronts, the blocks, the facades they present, it’s heartwarming to be able to speak into their own brokenness that there is a Redeemer. There is someone who is able to restore them and salvage them so that they can be found of worth in the only perspective that matters – the divine perspective.
It’s one thing seeing redemption stories in films and television dramas, they always nudge me towards the real life element of redemption that can be experienced. That’s a theme I love.
For His Name’s Sake
Shalom
C. L. J. Dryden
Life With CD 