Redemption

God is love…and He holds all things together by the word of His power (1 John 4:8; Hebrews 1:3). It could be said, then, that the love of God is the context in which His will unfolds. The love of God is also the context in which our lives unfold. We have choices because He wants us to choose Him in love. If we consider our choices to only reflect right or moral behavior, then we have missed the point. If we make the choices of others only about right or moral behavior, then we are religious zealots without grace, without mercy, and without hearts to hear the voice of redemption.

Yes, humanity is messy. Yes, humans, by nature, are self interested and self preserving, and who, without God, can become vengeful and spiteful. But the statutes of the Lord, the moral code established by the ten commandments, lead us into an understanding of how God wants those in His family to relate to Him and to each other. In keeping His commandments, we are apprenticed in the law of love.

God so loved the world that He gave….(John 3:16). He sent redemption right into the mess of humanity. He is the light in the darkness and chaos, and He promised to be with us. He came to live with us in our mess, so that we could live with Him in holiness. Pretty crazy, huh? In Isaiah 43:1-3 He says,

“Fear not, for I have redeemed you;
I have called you by your name;
You are Mine.
When you pass through the waters, I will be with you;
And through the rivers, they shall not overflow you.
When you walk through the fire, you shall not be burned,
Nor shall the flame scorch you.
For I am the Lord your God,
The Holy One of Israel, your Savior…”

The love of God is where we belong. The heart of God is our intended home. Do we believe this? Can we rest in the power of His love to redeem us, totally? Or, are we still trying, desperately, to be good enough to come home? Relax. He paid the price, once and for all. Redeemed we are, if we believe He is who He says He is.

Father God, how excellent is Your word and Your law. You teach me to fear You and to understand Your ways. You make things right, and You make me right. Your face shines upon me, and Your love grows in my heart. Cleanse me from all unrighteousness, which is to say, Father, forgive me for not believing You and responding to Your love for me. Thank You, Jesus, for giving me Your name. It is a strong tower, and I run to it for salvation and refuge. May the Spirit of God work powerfully within me to shine the light of Your love and dispel the darkness within and without. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Let the words of this song refresh you, revive you, and remind you of His great love.

Until next week, live in the power of His love for you.