Redeemer

“But as for me, I know that my Redeemer lives, and he will stand upon the earth at last.” (Job 19:25 NLT)

Once upon a time, a farmer inherited a piece of land. At first he didn’t know much about cultivation, so his field wasn’t very productive. When he couldn’t make ends meet, he pawned off small portions to pay off his bills. After several years, most of his land belonged to others. Then a close relative took compassion on him. He paid off the loans and returned the land to the farmer. He showed him how to cultivate the land productively and sustainably.

In biblical times, a redeemer was a close relative who would step in and buy back a lost inheritance. The Kingdom existence--living under the influence of the Spirit of God-- is our inheritance. Failed attempts at self-sufficiency have forced us to pawn off years of our lives. In the process, we have hocked our soul for earthly gain.  Jesus sacrificially gave of himself to repossess what we unwittingly gave away. He is our Redeemer, who stepped in and bought us back our lives.  

“He has enabled you to share in the inheritance that belongs to his people, who live in the light. For he has rescued us from the kingdom of darkness and transferred us into the Kingdom of his dear Son, who purchased our freedom and forgave our sins.” (Colossians 1:12-14 NLT)