There was also a prophet, Anna, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher. At that moment she came, and began to praise God and to speak about the child to all who were looking for the redemption of Israel. [Luke 2:36,38 NRSV]
The definition of the Hebrew word for “redeem” is: to ransom, to buy back, to purchase, to free by paying ransom.” My first introduction to the concept of “redemption” had nothing to do with religion – and everything to do with green stamps!! My mother was a veteran S&H Green Stamp collector. We spent many an hour as a family licking the emerald stamps and pressing them into the pages of collection booklets. When we had a bundle of books ready, it was time to go to the S&H Redemption store. We would choose a new item that we wanted, then make our redemption “payment” in stamp books. Most of the time we chose what Mom wanted. Toward the end of the year, however, she would show us the S&H catalog and ask what toys we would be interested in having. Then she would go to the S&H center herself – to purchase Christmas gifts that we couldn’t possibly afford otherwise.
There is always payment of some kind in a ransom deal. In fact, in some areas of the world – particularly the Middle East, kidnapping-for-ransom is a thriving industry. The bad guy takes someone that you love [or a political pawn]. In order to get them back alive, you must make a payment (a very large, life-changing fee). As usual, God’s concept of redemption is a bit different.
God created the human race to live a full, abundant life in constant companionship with their Creator. When sin entered the equation, Satan said, “Oops, sorry there, God. You are no longer ruler of this realm. These people belong to me!” Jesus Christ, our Redeemer, came to earth to buy us back. The payment? His life for ours.
Redeemed! How I love to proclaim it,
Redeemed by the blood of the Lamb
Redeemed through His infinite mercy,
His child, and forever, I am.
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