Reading
‘It is because the Lord loves you, and is keeping the oath which he swore to your fathers, that the Lord has redeemed you from the house of bondage.’ (RSV)Deuteronomy 7.8
‘In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace 14 which is the guarantee of our inheritance until we acquire possession of it, to the praise of his glory.’ (RSV)
Ephesians 1.7&14
Reflection
From its basic meaning to buy back by paying a ransom, the term redeemer was extended within Hebrew Scriptures, to cover major deliverances of any kind, whether or not a payment was involved. Above all was the liberation of the Hebrew tribes from the bondage of their Egyptian oppressors.
In the Hellenistic world of New Testament writers, the daily sight of human slave trafficking, provided a powerful symbolism to represent what Christ had done for humanity.
‘By identifying himself with humans in their temptations, trials, hopelessness, suffering and death, Christ paid an immeasurably costly price and brought into being a new humanity, bearing his image and committed to following his example.
Prayer
‘There is a redeemer, Jesus, God’s own Son
Precious lamb of God, Messiah, Holy One
Thank you O my Father,
For giving us your Son,
And leaving your Spirit-
Till the work on earth is done.’ (Melody Green)
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