Redeemed.
I love it. There’s a hymn of the same title and it’s the epitome of the term ‘uplifting’. It’s a waltz kind of tune that I can literally imagine a little child being swung up by a parent and the child giggling at the fun of it. Even as the last line of the chorus sums it up by saying ‘His child and forever, I am.’ That the loving heavenly Father would send His only begotten Son into the world that those who believe in Him would find life in Him and celebrate their status as children of the Most High. Children, because they have been adopted. Children, because He has given them new life to no longer be regarded as slaves to sin. The price has been paid and paid in full.
They are redeemed! Ah the thought – what a glorious thought. It cheapens it to think that the redemption story is just what I’ve done by my own efforts, how I’ve dragged myself up and cleaned myself off and made my own way in the world. It cheapens it, because it’s no longer about redemption, really. It’s a story about me. It’s a story centred on me. It’s a story about what I did, what I am and how great I am too. That’s not redemption. Sure that story works for some because it’s better being the centre of attention and slapping yourself on the back for all the great things you have done.
Yet there’s so much more glory and riches and genuine heartfelt joy at being part of a far bigger picture that is not centred on your efforts and is not primarily about you. Rather this is a story about a people, a family, a great gathering of human beings from all walks of life who have been reconnected by the Holy God who created the universe. A story of people who were not a people, who had no mercy, who turned their back on true peace and joy, but yet were still rescued and brought back into real relationship with the One who exudes those qualities because everything good comes from Him. That’s a far greater story – that’s what makes redemption such a brilliant story to tell again and again and again.
That’s why for hundreds and thousands of years when people spread the good news of the Kingdom of God implicitly they are sharing the great news of what it is to be redeemed. No matter how low, no matter how dark, no matter how depraved, no matter how deluded, no matter how miserable, no matter how twisted and embittered – this redeeming love has given people a new song in their hearts and a new life in their being. So many stories have been shared and so many more yet to be shared of those who share this beautiful experience. The beautiful experience wrapped up in this beautiful word.
Redeemed.
(Photo by Evan Kirby on Unsplash)
For His Name’s Sake
Shalom
C. L. J. Dryden
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