Has the Lord redeemed you? Then speak out! Tell others he has redeemed you from your enemies.
Psalms 107:2 NLT
What is Redemption?
The simple definition of the verb redeem is “to deliver.” As humans, we all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God. (Romans 3:23 NIV) Because of Jesus’s death on the cross, we have been redeemed. Redemption says we ARE forgiven, holy, justified, free, adopted and reconciled in Christ. (https://www.gotquestions.org/redemption.html)
As I grow in my walk with the Lord, I have come to grasp the notion that redemption is not a one-time occurrence. It is a continuous practice of turning towards Him and turning away from my sins. I will confess that I struggle with having a consistent prayer life. I should pray consistently but sometimes life gets in the way. However, when I seek Jesus and confess, He is always right there to kindly and lovingly guide me to return to the path He has set for me to follow. Proverbs 3:6 states, “In all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.” (NIV)
I love this picture that the prophet Isaiah paints in Isaiah 1 verse 18. “Come now, let’s settle this,” says the Lord. “Though your sins are like scarlet, I will make them as white as snow. Though they are red like crimson, I will make them as white as wool.” (NLT)
Lay Down Your Scarlet Letters
Friends, we do not have to wear the scarlet letters of this world. I held onto the burden of shame from my ungodly choices in my late teens and young adult years for a very long time. But scripture tells us that “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!” (2 Corinthians 5:17 NIV) We can let go of our condemnation, guilt, sin, and shame. We do not have to carry those burdens. Let’s lay our scarlet letters confidently at the feet of Jesus. We can surrender our heavy loads to Him. Jesus is our Redeemer!
Reflection
What is one thing that you can lay at the feet of Jesus today?