My Redeemer Lives
Christ redeemed us from the curse of the Law, having become a curse for us—for it is written: “Cursed is everyone who hangs on a tree”— Galatians 3:13
We’ve explored the name of Jesus as Savior. What depth of meaning does Redeemer add?
A drowning man needs a savior, one who will pluck him out of the ocean waves. But a drowning man who’s shackled to a boulder needs someone to break his bonds. If you’re wearing cement shoes of sin, you’ll sleep with the fishes.
Bless the LORD, my soul,
And do not forget any of his benefits;
Who pardons all your guilt,
Who heals all your diseases;
Who redeems your life from the pit,
Who crowns you with favor and compassion;
As far as the east is from the west,
So far has He removed our wrongdoings from us. -Psalm 103:3-4, 12
In Genesis 15, God made a covenant with Abraham, but instead of Abraham passing through the sacrifice, God passed through as both a smoking oven and a flaming torch. The Son passed through in Abraham’s stead. Abraham got the promises, and Jesus took on the liability.
I went to a wedding this weekend, and the officiant described the marriage covenant as, “I will, even if you don’t.” That’s how our God designed the covenant with Abraham. In fact, it was, “I will, because you won’t.” The Father sent Jesus through on Abraham’s behalf, knowing His sacrifice would be required.
For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life as a ransom for many – Mark 10:45
The definition of redeem is
- to pay off as in paying a debt
- to buy back as in regaining something after a foreclosure
- to obtain the release or restoration of something as in ransoming from captivity or slavery.
Jesus did all of the above.
Just before Jesus breathed His last, He declared, “It is finished.” The Greek is tetelestai, a phrase meaning paid in full. With His sacrifice, our sin debt was paid. With His resurrection, we have assurance His sacrifice was accepted. Our lives were ransomed.
We are redeemed. Thank You, Jesus.
