REDEMPTION
To "redeem" means literally "to buy back." Redemption is one of the key accomplishments of God's Son, Jesus. As this passage states, God's people were created and formed by God's own divine activity, and God himself through Jesus' sacrificial ministry would buy them back.
But the word "redeemed" itself begs the question: From what are God's people being bought back? The answer is that we all have willingly sold ourselves in slavery to sin; death is the cost of our disobedience. We are, both by nature and by our consistently sinful choices, rebels against God's kingdom. The consequence for that rebellion against the righteousness and holiness of God is death, and this price must be paid.
But God, in his mercy, has paid that price himself. He truly has redeemed those who trust in him, having paid the price for our sinful pride and rebellion. God has now the right not only as our Creator, but also as our Redeemer, to say that believers are his and to expect them to live lives that reflect gratitude for his gracious redemption.
Jesus, I know that my future contained nothing but death and darkness, until I heard you call my name and responded. Thank you for your mercy. Thank you for giving me another chance. Amen.
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