I will redeem you with an outstretched arm and with great acts of judgment.
–
Exodus 6:6
This year it is a challenge for many to fully celebrate the birth of Christ in the face of real hardship. Exchanging extravagant gifts and tables overflowing with food fall flat in the face of those whose jobs have not come back, or who have ongoing medical problems with the accompanying bills. Many are praying for rescue, and some are praying for redemption. What is the difference, isn’t the result the same?
Rescue means being saved from violence and anger. Redemption means recovering ownership of something by paying a sum. The two are very different indeed. The life of Christ is a testimony to the difficulties allowed in the life of every God seeker. Jesus was called “a man of sorrows, acquainted with grief” (Isaiah 53:3). His sufferings accomplished the high purposes of God, purchasing salvation for humankind. His death and resurrection ripped humanity out of the grip of sin and darkness. If God would have rescued Jesus out of His suffering, there would be no redemption opportunity for mankind.
Difficulties are allowed by God in the lives of his children, many times for purposes that do not make human sense. But do not make the mistake of judging God by your earthly standards!
Without the perspective of eternity, you will not fully grasp what He is doing. Because of the hope you have in Christ, you can both celebrate joyfully AND pray earnestly. Today, ask God to provide for those in need across the country, trusting Him to bring about His good plans, redeeming both people and nations.
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