Love in Unlikely Places: The Cross

“…and [God] raised us up with [Christ] in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus…” -Ephesians 2:6

It’s not often I envy criminals, especially those condemned to die slow agonizing deaths. But on this side of history, I feel a twinge of that emotion when I think about one particular thief. This nameless, sinful man was sentenced under Roman law to die by crucifixion for his crimes. He also happened to serve his death sentence next to Jesus.  

If you’re unfamiliar with Roman crucifixion, a quick Google search is sufficient to learn all you need. If you’d rather not engage in that reading, here’s a brief summary. This tortuous style of execution was slow, but effective. Criminals were outstretched on a wooden cross with wrists and feet nailed to it. The cross was then raised upright, leaving the one nailed to it gasping for air. In order to breathe, the criminal had to pull their body upwards and push against the nail in their feet. They would spend their last hours (or even days) exposed, exhausted, and tormented. 

Everyone knew the cross was a place of death and shame. Who would possibly kneel before it expecting to find love or hope? This criminal, I’m sure, was no different. And yet, love, hope, mercy, and grace was what this man encountered. 

We know from Matthew’s gospel account that while on the cross, this man and a fellow crucified criminal reviled Jesus. We also know that while on the cross Jesus asked his Father to forgive those who crucified him. Imagine! Here was the God-man in utter agony, blessing rather than cursing. It’s no wonder then that Luke’s gospel account records the thief’s change of heart. Rather than continuing to revile, he called to the other criminal to cease his mocking, stating that they were being crucified justly, while this man (Jesus) had done nothing wrong (Luke 23:41). 

We can infer from these passages that the love of Christ profoundly impacted the thief. But even more, we can know that in the last hour of his life this man was given eyes to see who Jesus really is. It’s unknown if the thief knew any of the Old Testament prophecies- if he expected a Messiah to come for salvation and judgment and to establish a kingdom. But one thing we do know: this condemned criminal recognized Jesus’ authority. He, a wretched dying man, boldly pleaded, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom” (Luke 23:42).

What did he expect Jesus to say? After all, this man had nothing to offer him. Hanging on that tree, he could not perform any good work. He had no money to tithe and no sacrifices to give. All he could do was all any of us can do- believe and trust in the Savior of the world. 

Then came those priceless words: “Truly, I say to you, today you will be with me in paradise” (Luke 23:43). I can only imagine the thief’s smile and the tears of joy that must have fallen from his eyes. There, in his final hour in the most unlikely place imaginable, this lost sinner experienced the life changing love of Jesus.  

Amazingly, the thief’s story shows us our own; for it’s a story that so loudly shouts the unfathomable depths of God’s love for sinners.  A story that shows us nothing – and nobody- is beyond redemption. For who but God could redeem an instrument of torture and death into an instrument of life and love? And who but God could look upon a criminal and dare to make him His child? 

In the thief this is exactly what we see. We see the love of God in Christ fulfilled with the promise that he would be with him that day in Paradise. That man, who in the present moment was part of a most grotesque sight, would soon be permanently with Christ in the Paradise of God. 

And for us. We who were once condemned criminals covered in the stench and horror of our sin, have been adopted by God and raised with Christ in the heavenly places. Though we will be with him forever in the eternal state, in Christ, we are seated with him there even now (Ephesians 2:6). This is the love of God! The love of our Savior! The love that seeks pitiful sinners and places them around the table of the King. 

Love in Unlikely Places: The Sycamore Tree

“But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ.” -Ephesians 3:13

I wonder how many trees Zacchaeus had climbed in his day. Though the Bible, of course, doesn’t tell us, I’m sure he had some practice. After all, Luke describes him as “small in stature” (Luke 19:3). As someone on the shorter side of life, I can attest that I’ve climbed many tables, chairs (and shelves at the grocery store) to reach whatever it was I needed. I’m also sure I’ve ridden piggy-back a time or two for a better view of what was going on around me! So if this wasn’t Zacchaeus’ first go with a Sycamore tree, I wouldn’t be surprised. But nevertheless, there we find him, up a tree, waiting for Jesus to pass by. 

At this point in the account, we know three things about  Zacchaeus: 1) He  was a chief tax collector 2) He was rich, and 3) He wanted to see Jesus. 

As a Jewish tax collector working for Rome, he was not a popular man among  his people. In fact, he was despised. An outcast. A sinner. He was a man who profited by cheating the Jews. And perhaps even worse, he was a man who had linked arms with the Romans. As a rich chief tax collector, we can assume he did his job well. And yet…

He was seeking to see who Jesus was. 

Why was this short, wealthy, Jewish traitor seeking Christ? Again, the Bible doesn’t offer us the details about the inner workings of Zacchaeus’ heart and mind. We can only infer that something within Zacchaeus wasn’t quite settled. Perhaps he thought a glimpse of Jesus would offer him a bit of what he needed. 

So, he climbed and waited, way up in that now famous Sycamore tree. 

As Jesus drew closer, I wonder if his heart raced. Did he stand on the branch or remain seated? And what went through his mind as he looked upon Jesus for the first time? For all of these questions, one thing is almost certain: Zacchaeus could not have predicted what happened next. 

And when Jesus came to the place, he looked up and said to him, “Zacchaeus, hurry and come down, for I must stay at your house today.” (Luke 19:5)

Of all the possible outcomes, being called by name and invited to dinner by Jesus had to be the most unexpected! I’m sure Zacchaeus had only imagined the tree as a means to an end- not as a place to find the love of a Savior. 

Luke tells us that Zacchaeus hurried down the tree and received him joyfully. But even more, the love of Jesus so transformed his heart that he proclaimed, “Behold, Lord, the half of my goods I give to the poor. And if I have defrauded anyone of anything, I restore it fourfold” (Luke 19:8). This was a true demonstration of faith and a changed heart. Notice how Jesus responds: 

“Today salvation has come to this house, since he also is a son of Abraham. For the Son of Man came to seek and save the lost.” (Luke 19:9-10). 

Though Zacchaeus was a Jew, he became a child of Abraham- a true child of God- when he placed his faith in Christ alone. Who would have imagined such a scene? This rejected and despised man was sought by Jesus and loved by him. Mercy of all mercies, Zacchaeus became rich in the only way that matters. 

We can only praise God that he sent his Son to seek and save lost sinners. Sinners like us, wherever we are. He knows us and sees us. And he chooses to bring us near.   

Love in Unlikely Places: The Wilderness

“He turns a desert into pools of water, a parched land into springs of water.” -Psalm 107:35

We’ve all heard the expression, “Looking for love in all the wrong places.” But what about the expression, “Finding love in unlikely places?” Although, now that I think about it – is that even a saying? I’m pretty sure it is…right?! At any rate, that’s the title of this mini-series on love. Because when you think about it, the Bible is full of examples of God’s love showing up in the most unexpected places… 

Let’s start with a devastated and desperate woman in Genesis. Hagar was the servant of Sarah, Abraham’s wife, who became entangled in their sin of unbelief. Although God had promised to make Abraham the father of many nations with descendants as numerous as the stars in the sky, over time, this couple doubted God’s intention to make good on His promise. As humans often do, they decided to take matters into their own hands, foolishly believing they could help God.

“And Sarai said to Abram, ‘Behold now, the Lord has prevented me from bearing children. Go in to my servant; it may be that I shall obtain children by her.’” (Genesis 16:2)

The result? Hagar became pregnant by Abraham. As often goes in such triangles, pride and jealousy ensued. After she conceived, Hagar looked with contempt upon Sarah. Unsurprisingly, Sarah despised Hagar and treated her harshly, leading the young woman to flee to the wilderness. It was in this desert wilderness that God first demonstrated His grace toward Hagar. 

“The angel of the Lord found her by a spring of water in the wilderness, the spring on the way to Shur.” (Genesis 16:7)

Note that the angel found her. He intentionally sought her out to encourage and instruct her. The angel told Hagar to return to Sarah and to submit to her. But then he gave her a glorious promise: the son she was to bear, Ishmael, would become the father of a great nation. 

Just as the spring relieved those parched in the desert, the words of the angel quenched her distressed soul. Hagar rejoiced and called the name of the Lord who spoke to her, “the God of seeing.” 

And so, Hagar returned to her masters and raised Ishmael. When Ishmael was 14 years old, Sarah bore a son to Abraham, the son of promise, Isaac.

We pick up the story in Genesis 21 at the celebration of Issac’s weaning. During this feast, Sarah witnessed Ishmael laughing in mockery at Isaac. So she said to Abraham, “Cast out this slave woman with her son, for the son of this slave woman shall not be heir with my son Isaac,” (Genesis 21:10).  Although this grieved Abraham, he did what Sarah asked (after being reassured by God that He would make Ishamel into a great nation).

“So Abraham rose early in the morning and took bread and a skin of water and gave it to Hagar, putting it on her shoulder, along with the child, and sent her away. And she departed and wandered in the wilderness of Beersheba.” (Genesis 21:14)

Can you imagine the emotional devastation of this scene? As a woman, I cannot imagine the horror of being cast out of a family with my son. Nor can I fathom the agony of a father and son forever parting from one another. 

And so, we find Hagar was once again in the wilderness. When the water ran out she placed Ishmael a bowshot distance away from her because she could not bear to look upon his death. As any mother would do, she lifted up her voice and wept. But God heard the voice of the boy. 

Just when all seemed hopeless, the angel of the Lord called from heaven and stated that God had heard their cries. He again promised that Ishmael would become a great nation.  

“Then God opened her eyes, and she saw a well of water. And she went and filled the skin with water and gave the boy a drink. And God was with the boy, and he grew up.” (Genesis 21:19-20a) 

Not once, but twice, God met this Egyptian servant in the wilderness. In dry and desolate places- physically, emotionally, and spiritually- the Lord revealed Himself to her as the God who sees and provides. Though she was cast out by her earthly masters she was loved and cared for by her Heavenly Father. 

And to think, this is the God we serve! The God who faithfully keeps His promises, who hears and sees us in our distress. In what can feel like a wasteland, God demonstrates His compassion and unrelenting kindness to His people. To us. He will not refuse us when we cry out to Him. Rather, He will meet us where we are and open our eyes to the water that only He can provide.

For Glory and Beauty

*This article was written for and first appeared in the Spring 2023 issue of Calla Press Magazine. You can find the issue here: https://issuu.com/samanthacabrerastudio/docs/final_march_second_1_

Seated in the wooden pew on Sunday morning, I glanced about our small, simple sanctuary.  While there’s nothing particularly captivating about its appearance, I’ve come to love the wooden beams and the tall pointed rooftop.  I looked upon the solitary piano and the simply constructed pulpit.  The simplicity of the room seemed to only enhance the focus of God’s glory.  And yet, I smiled when my eyes fell on the communion table, always adorned with a seasonal bouquet of flowers.  

As the pastor concluded his sermon, it occurred to me that the presence of the flowers had nothing to do with the effectiveness of the message.  Had they been absent the truths communicated in the sermon would have been exactly the same.  But with them, there existed a beauty that otherwise would not have been.  

This thought reminded me of Exodus 28 when Moses received the instructions from God concerning the priestly garments of the Tabernacle.  He was given so many details regarding the materials, jewels, and construction of these clothing items!  However, my favorite part of the elaborate description is the why of it all.  Verses 2 and 28 state that these holy garments were for glory and beauty.

I remember the first time I read that chapter of the Bible and being blown away by the thought that  our God is a lover of beauty- and that beauty serves a distinct purpose.  The longer I thought about it, I could only come to this conclusion: of course God loves beauty.  Not only did the Creator of the universe create a world that is defined by order and efficiency, but He created it full of beautiful scenery!  The sun not only sets, but it sets in a blaze of brilliant colors.   Jagged mountains, deep oceans, fields of wheat, starry skies…all proclaim the work of His hands.  Even so, it’s plausible He saved His most beautiful creation for last when He formed Eve from the rib of Adam.  

Because we are human beings made in the Image of God, we desire and are drawn to beauty.  While this is true of both men and women, women especially long not only to see beauty, but to be beauty.  Our hearts want to know, Am I beautiful?  To answer this question we often consult the nearest mirror, evaluating our beauty by the cut and color of our hair, the current smoothness of our complexion, and the way our clothes fit our bodies.  Please hear me clearly, I’m not saying that physical beauty is unimportant- on the contrary, I think God has gifted all women greatly in this area!  However, the mirror cannot unveil the fullness of beauty given to women, especially of those who are in Christ.      

Psalm 139:13-15 tells us that we have been fearfully and wonderfully made, formed in the secret place of our mother’s womb.  And while the essence of beauty was given to us as women at our conception, there is still a greater beauty that our Creator loves and desires for His daughters.  This is the beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, a spirit which seeks to walk in the way of truth and righteousness (1 Peter 3:4).  Such a spirit is displayed in the woman of Proverbs 31 who clothes herself with strength and dignity and is not afraid of the days to come (v.25).  This is the spirit shaped only through abiding in Christ and his Word; the spirit that grows in sanctification, being daily conformed to the image of Christ.  This is true beauty and the kind of beauty that greatly pleases the Lord!  Truly, as we become more like Christ, our beauty increases all the more.  

When we speak a kind, encouraging word to a friend or stranger; when we unashamedly proclaim the goodness of God’s love and mercy; when we do yet another load of dishes and fold the never-ending pile of laundry with gratitude in our hearts; when we exercise patience with our kids and demonstrate humility with our spouse; when we trust in the Lord to give us all we need for the coming day: this is beauty on display.   

Perhaps even more remarkable, this beauty is not without purpose!  Just as a painting points to a painter, and a skyscraper to an architect, so all beauty points to a designer, to someone who has carefully and planfully molded and crafted his work.  I find this to be true while reading classic pieces of literature.  While I may love the story and characters, I cannot help but be even more amazed by the creativity and mind of the author!  In the same (and even greater) way, our Christ-like beauty serves to point others to Him so that in all things, He might receive glory and honor.     

Only a gracious and sovereign God creates women with beauty- as well as the desire for it- and then through Christ, increases it and gives it a great purpose.  Like the flowers on the communion table and the priestly garments, we are for glory and beauty.  But be encouraged, sister!  Our beauty far outweighs the beauty of flowers and robes, for we have within us that which makes us beautiful beyond compare- the spirit of Christ.  And in this, our great God is mightily glorified.   

A Carol and the Gospel

*This article first appeared in the December 2022 issue of Faith on Every Corner Magazine. I’m happy to share it here as well 🙂

In December of 2018 I was a year and a half into what has now become an avid reading habit.  At the time, it only seemed appropriate that I should read Dickens’ classic, A Christmas Carol.  I’m sure I had read it at some point in my life, perhaps in middle school or high school, but I wanted to read it anew through the eyes of a late thirty-something.  It did not disappoint!  In fact, I loved it so much that I decided to make a tradition out of reading this wonderful story in December of every ‘even’ year.  And so, with December 2022 upon us, I’m anxiously awaiting my third journey with this beloved tale. 

Of course, the well known theme of the book is the redemption of old Ebeneezer Scrooge; how this awful, hard-hearted man is transformed upon coming face to face with the reality of who he truly is.  Through the intervention of the ghosts of Christmases past, present, and future, he sees the need to change- and seizes the opportunity to do so.  At the story’s conclusion we see him as a kind, thoughtful, generous human being, far removed from the man of stone he once was.  

These are the stories we love so much.  A beautiful story of a redeemed villian is one we never grow weary of reading.  This is the reason I also love Les Miserables.  The way Jean Valjean is forever changed by the compassion and generosity of the priest, is to me, one of the greatest storylines in classic fiction literature. 

Why is this?  Why do we love the Scrooges and Jeans of this world so much?  Perhaps because they remind us so much of ourselves.  We know we are people in need of rescue- in need of a transformation that is only possible through something outside of ourselves.  We love these stories because whether they intend to or not, they reflect the gospel.         

During this season, as our minds are fixed on the coming of the Savior into the world, we remember the reason why he came.  The Apostle Paul described this reason perfectly when he wrote, “The saying is trustworthy and deserving of full acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am the foremost,” (1 Timothy 1:15, ESV).  Yet, this was not a new message.  Jesus himself told us for what purpose he had come: “For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost,” (Luke 19:10, ESV).  

I love that the same book which begins so famously with the birth of Jesus makes no mystery regarding his purpose.  He came for us, to save us from our sin that we might be reconciled to a holy God.  But the saving of Jesus is so complete, so thorough, that it includes even more!  For not only are we spared from God’s wrath, but through Christ we are a new creation (2 Corinthians 5:17).  As part of our saving, we are transformed into something entirely different from what we were: where once we were dead, through Christ, we are now alive; where once we were enemies of God, hostile to Him and all His ways, now we are brought near to Him, with hearts full of love and adoration.       

While I look forward to reuniting with the characters of A Christmas Carol, even more, I look forward to reading again and again the life-changing truth of the gospel.  

Truly, Christ our Savior, whose birth we celebrate this month, has come to save us from sin and to sanctify us through and through (1 Thessalonians  5:23).  This transformation is so radical, so glorious, that the transformation of Ebeneezer Scrooge utterly pales in comparison.  

May God bless you as you celebrate the transforming love of our Savior this season!    

The Gift of Sonship

Sometimes I think it’s easier to wrap my mind around Jesus, the eternal Son of God, than Jesus, the child of Mary and Joseph. Jesus as the King of the Universe- the One through whom all things were made and the One who sits at the right hand of the Father in glory- that I can put legs to. But to think of Jesus, the 2 year old who needs help eating or dressing? Or, Jesus the 13 year old learning carpentry from his earthly father? That’s much harder to comprehend. 

And yet, the eternal Son of God did become flesh. He came to us through a virgin birth, wrapped in skin with a beating heart and breathing lungs. He came to us as a crying infant, born in a setting no parent would have willfully chosen. He came to us in humility rather than majesty. As a son rather than a king. As God Incarnate, he was not only the son of his Father above but of his mother and father here.  

As only God can do, He perfectly wove the heavenly and earthly sonship of His Son with our own. It was for sonship that Christ came into this world- though not for his, but for ours. He came so that I, a child of man, might become a child of God. This was the plan from all eternity! Before the earth was formed, God decreed in His love to adopt us as His sons through Jesus Christ (Ephesians 1:5).

What human mind could have imagined God sending His Son to live a sinless life in a sin-filled world? To conceive that he would walk and talk with thieves, liars, and adulterers? But even more! What mind could possibly hold the idea of this sinless One suffering unto death on behalf of rebellious sinners like us? Yet, this was the plan. As the writer of Hebrews tells us, “It was fitting that he, for whom and by whom all things exist, in bringing many sons to glory, should make the founder of their salvation perfect through suffering” (Hebrews 2:10, ESV). 

Christ, our Lord and King, was also the Suffering Servant whose atoning sacrifice enabled us to enter into sonship with our Heavenly Father. The Apostle John stated this very clearly when he wrote, “To all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God” (John 1:12, ESV). 

What an immeasurable joy and privilege to be a child of God! As we marvel this season at the humanity of Christ- of his lowly birth and sonship here on earth- may we marvel all the more that through him, we are born into sonship from above. With great cheer let’s sing:  

Mild He lays His glory by

Born that man no more may die

Born to raise the sons of earth

Born to give them second birth! 

 

A People Prepared

John the Baptist has always fascinated me. I would love to have seen this wild, camel hair wearing, locust eating man for myself. The man who in one moment beheld all three Persons of the trinity; the man who famously stated that he must decrease and Christ must increase. The man who fearlessly confronted Herod’s sin, who died tragically, rather than gloriously. Truly, he must have been something to behold. 

But if one thing can be said about John, it’s that he knew his place. He knew his entire purpose in life was to point to the Messiah- to proclaim him loudly and unapologetically. The prophet Malachi had prophesied about John the Baptist and described him as a prophet who would come in the spirit and power of Elijah. Though John knew he was the fulfillment of this prophecy, he  described himself as a man unworthy to untie the sandal straps of Christ; that he was the voice of one crying out in the wilderness, “Make straight the way of the Lord” (John 1:23). This great prophet’s entire ministry was centered on one bold and clear message: Repent for the Kingdom of God is near. As the angel had foretold, John would indeed “make ready for the Lord a people prepared” (Luke 1:17).

How the anticipation must have hung in the air! The Jewish people were steeped in the prophecies. Knowing the words of Daniel, they lived in expectation of the Messiah’s arrival. And knowing the words of Malachi, they embraced the message of the wild prophet in the wilderness. It’s no wonder so many came from all directions to be baptized by John! They were preparing for the anointed One, the chosen One of God, who would save and redeem them. It was a time characterized by curious minds and expectant hearts.

Now, more than 2000 years removed from that point in history, we know the identity of the Redeemer of Israel- Jesus of Nazareth, God the Son Incarnate. It’s his birth we celebrate this Christmas season, the One whom Israel had waited for so long. And yet, I can’t help but wonder: Do we, the Lord’s people, still live with anticipation? Are we a people prepared? And not just to celebrate his birth now- but prepared for his return? 

For some, this Advent season has been felt intensely as hearts and minds have meditated on the truths of the Messiah’s arrival. For others, the story of Christ’s birth has perhaps grown stale and familiar. Or, maybe grief felt during this holiday season has made living in the joy of the Savior’s birth difficult. 

And still, regardless of where we fall on this spectrum, the reality that Jesus came into the world to save sinners is cause for worship and praise. Even more, it is the ultimate cause for us to live with expectant hearts that unceasingly prepare Him room. For we are a people saved by the Lord, living not only in light of what He has done, but in light of what He will do. And what He will do is fulfill the better promises of the New Covenant in Christ! He will complete the good work began in us (Philippians 1:6); renew all things in heaven and earth (Revelation 21:5); and physically resurrect His people, once again making the dwelling place of God with man (2 Corinthians 4:14, Revelation 21:3). 

Without a doubt, we are a people saved and a people with a glorious future! May we live in anticipation of all Christ will accomplish in our hearts as we expectantly await his blessed return. May we live as a people prepared, this season and always. 

The God of All Comfort in Loss

“Jesus Wept.”  John 11:35

These two words comprise the shortest verse in the Bible but perhaps offer some of the greatest comfort.  As we well know, death is a reality of life.  No matter the circumstance, loss is felt deeply.  Death is never easy.  

Jesus felt it deeply too.  In John 11:14 we learn that Lazarus, a good friend of Jesus, had died.   Even though this death was for the purpose of God’s glory to be revealed in an amazing way, Jesus was moved with compassion when he saw the loved ones of Lazarus mourning his death.  He himself had loved Lazarus and was deeply grieved.  He wept.  Jesus easily could have said, “Come on guys, stop your crying and watch this!”  But he didn’t.  In the midst of pain, grief, and heartache Jesus cried with the mourners.  

Although I know the triumphant end to this story, this strikes me as a beautiful reminder that Jesus came to be our Emmanuel- God with us.  How unbelievably glorious it is that we have a Savior who knows what it is to be hungry, to be tempted, and to have loved and lost.  We have a Savior who cries with us in our time of grief.   

Jesus assures us later on in the book of John that he came to give us a peace that cannot be found in this world (John 14:27).  What a wonderful Savior.  He is present with us in times of loss and is the giver of an unparalleled peace.  In our grief, we can take our deepest comfort in the God who weeps with us, our Emmanuel.    

Questions: 1) How do you respond to death?  2) How can remembering Jesus is Emmanuel add comfort during a time of loss?  3)  How have you seen Jesus give you peace in the face of loss/grief? 

Dear God, thank you for being close to the brokenhearted.  We thank you that you draw near to us in times of loss, and we thank you for a Savior who knows what it is we feel.  We thank you in advance for the peace and comfort you will bring in times of grief.  Amen.   

Strength to Comprehend: Adopted

I sincerely hope this series has been a blessing to you! It’s been a joy to write and has challenged me to focus my mind and prayers on the love of our great God. Today, in closing, we come to our final word: Adopted. Admittedly, this might just be my favorite 🙂

Adoption is many things. It’s a choice and a commitment. It’s choosing to bring a child into a family and to treat them without distinction from a biological child. It’s also legal and final. Ultimately, it’s a beautiful act of love- and it’s what the eternal God has done for those who are in Christ. 

When we trust in Christ, the Son of God, for salvation, we become united to him. He in us, and we in him! It’s through this union that we are counted as sons and daughters of God. Through Christ, we are adopted into God’s family with the full blessings and benefits of sonship. This means God loves us as He loves Christ; that He will never cast us out; and that we are joint heirs with Christ. How amazing is that?!

The writers of the New Testament express this theme of adoption repeatedly. The Apostle John wrote, “See what kind of love the Father has given to us, that we should be called children of God; and so we are” (1 John 3:1). In the book of Romans the Apostle Paul stated that we have received the Spirit of adoption as sons; we have received the Spirit that cries, “Abba! Father!” (Romans 8:15). In his letter to the Galatians, he put it this way: “For in Christ Jesus you are all sons of God, through faith…and if you are Christ’s, then you are Abraham’s offspring, heirs according to promise” (Galatians 3:26, 29). 

I love those verses! But my favorite words of all regarding this matter come from Jesus. Just before his crucifxion, Jesus prayed a high priestly prayer. This prayer was not only for his disciples, but for all who would believe in him. In his words we are assured of the beautiful union we have with Christ. It’s also here we see the desire of our Savior for his people: that they would know the love of the Father. Consider his prayer: 

“I in them and you in me, that they may become perfectly one, so that the world may know that you sent me and loved them even as you loved me… I made known to them your name, and I will continue to make it known, that the love with which you have loved me may be in them, and I in them” (John 17:23, 26).

In Christ, we are brought into the family of God as adopted children. As His child, God the Father lavishes His love upon us, loving us as He loves His Son. What security! We cannot be snatched from His hand nor can anything separate us from the love of God in Christ. We are His children forever. 

Spend some quiet moments re-reading the above passages of Scripture. Thank God that He has called you into His love, into His family. Pray that He will give you strength to comprehend that you are truly His child.   

Strength to Comprehend: Redeemed

As we continue our journey to comprehend the love of God, I pray your prayers have been richly fulfilled and that God has poured His love into your heart by His Spirit (Romans 5:5). In the last two posts we looked at the words chosen and forgiven. Today we turn our attention to the word, redeemed. This is a weighty word because of its connection to slavery- for to be redeemed is to be bought back with a price.

Think back for a moment to the book of Exodus: God’s people, the Israelites, had been enslaved in Egypt for 400 years. Generation after generation was born into- and died in- slavery. But God, true to His promise to Abraham, delivered His people. In Exodus 6:6 God instructed Moses to speak His words to the Israelites: “I am the Lord, and I will bring you out from under the burdens of the Egyptians, and I will deliver you from slavery to them, and I will redeem you with an outstretched arm and with great acts of judgment.” In the exodus, God delivered His people from physical slavery and bondage and brought them to the blessed resting place of the Promised Land. In this we have a beautiful foreshadowing of the redemption that would come through Christ in the new covenant!

This theme of redemption- of buying back from bondage- is found throughout the old covenant and was a part of the Mosaic law. In Leviticus 25 and 27 we see laws designed for the redemption of property, land, and poor men. God’s law graciously allowed for this redemption through a kinsman-redeemer. Such a redeemer was a male relative who had the privilege or responsibility to act on behalf of a relative who was in trouble, danger, or need (https://www.gotquestions.org/kinsman-redeemer.html). Again, the law showed us a picture of Christ and what he would do for his people. 

In Matthew 20:28 Jesus said that he came not to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many. His death on the cross was the payment needed to redeem us from the slavery of our sin. The Apostle Paul states this clearly in 1 Corinthians 6:20 when he said that we have been bought with a price. In Ephesians 1:7 he again recounts that our redemption is through the blood of Christ. Likewise, the Apostle Peter wrote that we have been ransomed with the precious blood of Christ (1 Peter 1:18-19). 

Our redemption means that sin is no longer our master- it has no hold on us! No longer are we in bondage to sin. Rather, we are free to live in obedience to Christ. It is no longer sin we serve, but Christ! Like the Israelites in slavery or the poor relative in need, we were unable to free or restore ourselves. But through the sacrifice of Christ on our behalf, we are released from spiritual bondage. We are both vindicated and blessed. 

Take a few moments to read the verses above referencing redemption. Then, ask God to help you comprehend the significance of your redemption. Thank God for His provision of a Savior. Finally, thank Jesus for being the good shepherd who willingly laid down his life to redeem his sheep.