Realized I forgot to post this recent article up at InTouch Magazine, exploring the word "redemption" in the biblical story. Read the full article here.
When my wife and I bought our first home, we were both excited and nervous—30 years of payments was a big commitment. But we believed it was worth it because we wanted to create a space for our family to grow. Similarly, God wants to live life together with His people. And there’s perhaps no better word in Scripture than redemption to explore the great cost He willingly paid for each of us.
Out of Egypt
If you said that word in the ancient world, slavery would be the first image that came to mind. It literally meant to set someone free from bondage, usually by making a payment. So, for example, prisoners of war, slaves, and condemned men and women could be set free—if the price was right.
God’s central act of redemption in the Old Testament—the archetype, so to speak—was His liberation of Israel. In slavery, they had long suffered under the mighty Egyptian empire and were powerless to change their condition. But God promised, “I will also redeem you with an outstretched arm and with great judgments” (Ex. 6:6). And He fulfilled His promise, breaking the chains of bondage to bring them into the Promised Land and life with Himself.
This backdrop gives us a fresh glimpse of Jesus, our Deliverer…