Ransomed and Redeemed
Tucked away in the end of the book of Jeremiah is a precious verse. It's a verse straight from the mouth of God through his prophet reminding the Israelites of one of the many promises he had made to them. It says "For the Lord has ransomed Jacob [Julie] and has redeemed him from hands too strong for him" (31:11). First, insert your name where Jacob is named because these same promises apply to you if you're a child of God. Second, the word 'and' represents an awesome double-whamy in this passage:
- You are ransomed: The sum or price paid as a means of deliverance or rescue from punishment for sin. O Israel [Julie], the one who formed you says, “Do not be afraid, for I have ransomed you. I have called you by name; you are mine. [You] will enter Jerusalem singing, crowned with everlasting joy. Sorrow and mourning will disappear, and [you] will be filled with joy and gladness" (43:1, 51:11).
- You are redeemed from hands too strong for you: The Lord is like your lawyer, pleading your case - your losing case I might add - using his own life as the defense that produces your acquittal. "But Christ has rescued [you] from the curse pronounced by the law (from people and things too strong for you). When he was hung on the cross, he took upon himself the curse for [your] wrong doing" (Galatians 3:13).
I'll close with a childhood hymn that I suddenly can't get out of my mind:
Redeemed, how I love to proclaim it! Redeemed by the blood of the Lamb.
Redeemed through His infinite mercy, his child, and forever, I am.
I know I shall see in His beauty the King in whose law I delight;
who lovingly guardeth my footsteps and giveth me songs in the night.
Redeemed, redeemed, redeemed by the blood of the Lamb; redeemed, redeemed, his child, and forever, I am.