But when the fullness of time had come, God sent his Son, born of a woman, born under the law,
in order to redeem those who were under the law, so that we might receive adoption as children. -Galatians 4:4-5
The word redemption means the action of regaining or gaining possession of something in exchange for payment, or clearing a debt. (google.com) When I think of redemption, I think of making something right or putting it back the way it was in the first place, by design. Maybe you have more to add to that, as you think about it. Yet, in God’s eyes, redemption has a very specific focus, and a very broad result.
In our scripture for today, the Apostle Paul wrote that when the time was right, God sent Jesus, born in a way that was both natural and divine, and to a people that were restrained and striving under the Jewish Law. The result of that birth was the in-breaking of the Kingdom of God on earth, forevermore. That in-breaking Kingdom will come to full reveal when Jesus – the One born of a woman and under the law – returns to make all things right. In other words, when Jesus returns, we will be fully redeemed.
The amazing thing about God’s plan in Jesus is that the redemption that will be fully realized when Jesus returns is the promised hope of our lives today! See, because, when we have hope that there is an everlasting promise of redemption, that redemption impacts our lives today. No matter what you’re going through or how life is dealing some difficulties this season, know that Jesus IS the promise of ultimate redemption – of clearing the debt for all our sin and regaining the very nature of the image of God in each of us. You are redeemed! This Advent season, I pray that your redemption leads to freedom and joy, as you reflect on all that Jesus’ arrival meant and means to us. Blessed Advent to you and yours!
~Steve
