I know that my redeemer lives, and that in the end he will stand on the earth. – Job 19:25.
This last Sunday people shuffled into local churches in their bright colored clothing; ready to worship with their friends and family. People have smiles on their faces and grandmas all over the world have a day of joy as they sit with their children and grandchildren in the pews. Of course, this is followed by eating and perhaps even an Easter egg hunt. It seems to always be a busy, but powerful day for those who know Jesus.
Many churches use the above prophetic passage to refer to the resurrection and proclaim that Christ is no longer dead, but is very much alive. This is true and a very appropriate passage to use, but sometimes I wonder if we really know what is meant when this phrase is said. If you are like me, you assume you know what “redeemer” means. When we think of redemption we think of exchanging something bad for something good, receiving payment for something exchanged, or simply trading an object of value for another new object. This is a common understanding and we can easily use this as an illustration to describe what Jesus did for us on the cross. He exchanged His life for our sin. He bought us for an extreme price…etc.
This definition is really not a full understanding, though. One of the first times the word “redeemer” is used in scripture shows us a much more powerful definition. A guardian or kinsman redeemer described in the Old Testament is a person who protects, provides, and advocates for someone (normally a widow) who has no other means of support. They exchange their own personal rights and freedoms to be the protector, provider and advocate for someone who is in great need.
Jesus is this redeemer. Not only did He exchange His perfect life for ours, but He also wants us to remember that He is our provide and protector. He died for you, so live for Him. He now lives and will stand on the earth.
Prayer for today: God, I repent of the times when I took your resurrection for granted. Help me to depend on you fully today. Amen
This post was written by Rev DeCrastos. You can find his blog here: ministrysauce.com
This last Sunday people shuffled into local churches in their bright colored clothing; ready to worship with their friends and family. People have smiles on their faces and grandmas all over the world have a day of joy as they sit with their children and grandchildren in the pews. Of course, this is followed by eating and perhaps even an Easter egg hunt. It seems to always be a busy, but powerful day for those who know Jesus.
Many churches use the above prophetic passage to refer to the resurrection and proclaim that Christ is no longer dead, but is very much alive. This is true and a very appropriate passage to use, but sometimes I wonder if we really know what is meant when this phrase is said. If you are like me, you assume you know what “redeemer” means. When we think of redemption we think of exchanging something bad for something good, receiving payment for something exchanged, or simply trading an object of value for another new object. This is a common understanding and we can easily use this as an illustration to describe what Jesus did for us on the cross. He exchanged His life for our sin. He bought us for an extreme price…etc.
This definition is really not a full understanding, though. One of the first times the word “redeemer” is used in scripture shows us a much more powerful definition. A guardian or kinsman redeemer described in the Old Testament is a person who protects, provides, and advocates for someone (normally a widow) who has no other means of support. They exchange their own personal rights and freedoms to be the protector, provider and advocate for someone who is in great need.
Jesus is this redeemer. Not only did He exchange His perfect life for ours, but He also wants us to remember that He is our provide and protector. He died for you, so live for Him. He now lives and will stand on the earth.
Prayer for today: God, I repent of the times when I took your resurrection for granted. Help me to depend on you fully today. Amen
This post was written by Rev DeCrastos. You can find his blog here: ministrysauce.com
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