Redemption

This week my thoughts have been centered around ”Return & Redemption.”  One doesn’t have to look far into the Old Testament to understand the power of the grace and mercy we enjoy today.  Time after time offenses against God ended with a person losing even their lives.  Unfortunately, in addition in many instances it also cost the lives of the offenders family and livestock; which leads me to shutter as I reflect on the consequences they lived under.  I hear people say all the time they want to see God, experience God, interact with God physically, like in the days of the Old Testament.  While much of that would be wonderful, it carries with it another edge of the sword which is not pleasant at all, and that is what I characterize here as “instant judgment” and “consequences.”  We fail to realize the presence of God, also brought the judgment of God, and when the adjudication of God came, the consequences were difficult.

I’m thankful today that Jesus died on the cross, so instead of life like it was under the Old Covenant, his blood covers us, and we live in the grace and mercy of God.  That means he is a God of not just the second chance, but unlimited chances- when they are connected to a repentant heart.  He also provides us safe passage home when we stray away and get lost in the world, as did the young man in the story of the prodigal son.  Through our shame and guilt we walk right into the loving arms of our God who welcomes us home with a hug and a smile.  Yes, consequences can follow these actions, but they are teachers to guide us into persisting in the joy of the Lord.  So as we walk each day, thank God for second chances, because you just don’t know what is coming into your life that will require return and redemption.  Praise God from whom all blessings flow!  Blessings.

~Lamar