“I know that my Redeemer lives, and that in the end He will stand upon the earth.” Job 19:25
I remember when I was young, my brothers and I would find bottles we could redeem at the store for money. We would bring them to Circle K market and the clerk would give us cash that we would use to buy a Freezy, an icy flavored drink that was much appreciated amidst the Phoenix, Arizona heat. That was my first understanding of the word redeem or redemption, and to have something bought back for the sake of gain.
When Job uses the word above, he does so in the context of his time when the word Redeemer was used for a kinsman who would recover a captured or enslaved relative or even a sold or forfeited inheritance. In this sense, the word carries much greater weight and importance.
How appropriate then, that Job should use this word to describe God, and how the title would later be ascribed to Jesus Himself. Our Lord has bought us back from sin, death and the power of the devil. Through His death, He paid the price for our souls and through His resurrection gave us back our inheritance to life eternal. He is a true Kinsman, a real Brother Who reconciles us again to our heavenly Father. We have been bought back for the sake of life! We now live this reality in confidence and joy unto life everlasting.
Know that you are loved!
Peace and Joy,
Pastor Kilian
