July 30, 2009 Redeemed
Today’s Bible Reading: Isaiah 60, 62, 62; John 1
Scripture Focus:
Isaiah 60:16 You shall know that I, the LORD, am your Savior
And your Redeemer, the Mighty One of Jacob.
Isaiah 61:3 To console those who mourn in Zion,
To give them beauty for ashes,
The oil of joy for mourning,
The garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness;
John 1:12 But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, to those who believe in His name.
Observation:
I’ve noticed that Isaiah uses the word Redeemer a number of times in his book. Today it particularly jumped out at me. When something or someone is redeemed, it means it was lost or somehow off track from it’s original purpose, but is now restored.
God is in the business of redeeming me when I get off track. He gives me beauty for ashes, the oil of joy in place of mourning, and the garment of praise to replace a spirit of heaviness.
The ultimate redemption, of course took place on the cross, where Jesus performed his greatest act of redemption, allowing me back into the family of God, the place I truly belong.
Application:
I have received the ultimate redemption from my sins, and I’m part of the family of God. Will I let God redeem other areas of my life as well? Where things have gotten out of wack (work overtaking life and degenerating into workaholism, for example) will I let God bring redemption?
Prayer:
Father God, may it be so! I’m ready for the beauty, joy, and praise that comes as a result of your redemption!
