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Posted by Pastor John R. Harvey D.D.
December 9, 2021 -
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Fear not, thou worm Jacob, and ye men of Israel; I will help thee, saith the LORD, and thy redeemer, the Holy One of Israel– Isaiah 41:14
Exodus is the oldest account in history of emancipation efforts, and interestingly it is God who is undertaking the task. God says to Israel, as they are under Egyptian rule, “I will redeem you” (6:6).
But this is just a picture of a greater, gospel redemption that would be for all of God’s people. We humans are worms by nature, slaves to sin and to Satan: “ye were the servants of sin…” (Romans 6:17). But God has emancipated us, taking on himself the role of redeemer.
The cost of our freedom was the life of the Son of God. Jesus Christ came “to give his life a ransom for many” (Matthew 20:28). What amazing condescension, for God himself to redeem a sin-enslaved people by giving his own Son on their behalf!
What should our response be to such generosity? How should we, in other words, use the freedom that God’s emancipation has purchased for us?
David indicates the proper response when he prays, “Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O Lord, my strength and my redeemer” (Psalm 19:14). A desire to please our Redeemer is only appropriate.
The psalmist also writes, “Let the redeemed of the Lord say so” (Psalm 107:2). In other words, God’s people should praise and declare their Redeemer with their words and actions, showing the greatness of his redemption by the holiness and joyful celebration in their lives.
Have you been redeemed by the Lord? Have you said so, with your words and your actions?
