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Have You Been Redeemed?
The idea of redemption conveys the idea of being redeemed, bought back, something worthless is now made worthy, something lost has been found, and one who has made a mistake is given another chance. We sing songs in our worship that communicate this idea beautifully. Songs like “Redeemed”, “Since I have been Redeemed”, and “I have been Redeemed”.
We all love the concept of redemption. We make mistakes. Maybe we miss a shot in a basketball game, overlook something important at work, get a bad grade on a test, lose our temper and say something we should not, forget an important event, erase an important file accidentally, or overbook ourselves and let someone down. We all make mistakes and we all want a chance to redeem ourselves by making the mistake right again.
My children have taught me how to forgive and give the benefit of the doubt to one who needs another chance. They know their Dad makes mistakes, but they know my heart and love me. That is why they forgive. That is what God does for all of His children. My children have also showed me how wonderful redemption is. I can see in their eyes how wonderful it is to be redeemed after they have made a mistake; when they are given a chance to make something right. It is a very special joy.
With God, He redeems us over and over and over again as long as our heart is right and we diligently seek him (Matthew 6:33, Hebrews 11:6).
BIBLE EXAMPLES OF REDEMPTION
Thomas: Thomas at one point was willing to die with the Lord. Then when told about Jesus rising from the grave, he doubted (John 11:16, 20:24-29). But in the days previous to Pentecost, where was he? (Acts 1:13). Actually, at one point all the apostles forsook the Lord (Matthew 26:56), but notice where they are in Acts 1. Jesus redeemed them all except Judas.
Peter: How about Peter? First he tells Jesus he is a sinful man (Luke 5:4-9) and then later he tells Him that he is ready to die for Him (Luke 22:31-34, John 13:36-14:6). Then he denies Him and weeps (Matthew 26:74-75). But Jesus redeems Peter and reveals His plan for Him (John 21:18-19, Acts 2:14, 2 Peter 1:12-15). Just as the Lord reminded Peter, Peter now reminds us.
John Mark: John Mark at one point was not useful to Paul and caused a contention between him and Barnabas (Acts 12:12, 25, 15:37-40). But later John Mark was deemed useful (2 Timothy 4:11). It is also thought by most scholars that John Mark was the one who wrote down the book of Mark. I believe that John Mark understood the idea of redemption.
Gentiles: Can you imagine being a Gentile and you were not allowed in the temple: not of the chosen people of God? Now the true Israel of God are those with circumcised hearts (Romans 2:28-29). Do you think the Gentiles understood and appreciated redemption? Notice some scriptures (Acts 2:39, 10:34-35, 44-48, 11:18, Eph. 2:11-22, 3:1-7, Ro. 11:13-25).
CONCLUSION
Thomas, Peter, the Apostles, John Mark, and many Gentiles understood the idea of Redemption. They took advantage of it and they appreciated it. Do you appreciate the Redemption of Jesus like Cornelius and his household did (Ephesians 1:7, Colossians 1:14)? Do you live each day of your life in appreciation of being redeemed?
If you are not a child of God tonight, you are alienated or separated from the grace of God. Why not repent of your sins and be baptized so you can be redeemed (bought back, made worthy) and be useful to the Lord (Titus 2:11-14)? This is a good question for us all to consider. We hope to see you next time on “Speaking The Truth In Love”.
