REJOICING FOR REDEMPTION
God has a plan of redemption which deserves our praise.
7/24/20264 min read
REJOICING FOR REDEMPTION
When we read the Word of God or hear current news and events, we see that in this fallen world there is ongoing sin and evil work. Genesis 6:5 says, “And God saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every imagination of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually”. Romans 3:23 tells us that all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God. Because of sin, we deserve death according to Romans 6:23: For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord. God responds to sin with chasing and chastisement. Our response to His chasing determines what ultimately happens to us. He has judgment for the stubbornly wicked who do not accept Christ. For those who accept Christ, turn to God from wickedness, and who are faithful, we see mercy, salvation, deliverance, restoration, and renewal. Galatians 3:13-14 tells us that Christ has redeemed us from the curse of the law, having become a curse for us (for it is written “Cursed is everyone who hangs on a tree”), that the blessing of Abraham might come upon the Gentiles in Christ Jesus, that we might receive the promise of the Spirit through faith.
God’s desire for us to be reconciled to Him is evident through His plan of redemption, hope, peace, and rest in Him. Psalm 116:7-8 says, “Return to your rest, O my soul, for the Lord has dealt bountifully with you. For You have delivered my soul from death, my eyes from tears, and my feet from falling. Isaiah 51:11-12 says, “Therefore the redeemed of the Lord shall return, and come with singing unto Zion; and everlasting joy shall be upon their head: they shall obtain gladness and joy; and sorrow and mourning shall flee away. I, even I, am he that comforteth you... Isaiah 61:3 lets us know that God will console those who mourn in Zion, to give them beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness…Joel 2:18-27 says, Then the Lord will be zealous …you shall eat in plenty and be satisfied, and praise the name of the Lord your God… and My people shall never be put to shame.
Isaiah 43:1-5 says, Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by your name; you are Mine. When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow you. When you walk through the fire, you shall not be burned nor shall the flame scorch you. For I am the Lord your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior…since you were precious in My sight your have been honored, and I have loved you; therefore I will give men for you, and people for your life. Fear not, for I am with you…
Zephaniah 3:14-20 says, Sing, O daughter of Zion! Shout, O Israel! Be glad and rejoice with all your heart, O daughter of Jerusalem! …The Lord your God in your midst, the Mighty One, will save; He will rejoice over you with gladness, He will quiet you with His love, He will rejoice over you with singing.”…I will deal with all who afflict you; I will save the lame, and gather those who were driven out; I will appoint them for praise and fame in every land where they were put to shame…
Not only can we rejoice in our promise of redemption, but God himself rejoices and sings over us! What love! To be provided for, corrected, have oil of gladness, eat plenty, and rest in God’s love while he soothes (quiets) us, rejoices over us, is glad for us, and sings over us.
What should our response to this kind of love be? If He sings over us, shouldn’t we sing back His praises? Psalm 116:12-14 says What shall I render unto the Lord for all his benefits toward me? I will take the cup of salvation, and call upon the name of the Lord. I will pay my vows unto the Lord now in the presence of all his people.
Rejoicing and dedication to our relationship with Him is the proper response. Isaiah 12:4 says, “And in that day shall ye say, Praise the Lord, call upon his name, declare his doings among the people, make mention that his name is exalted”. Isaiah 43:21 says, “This people I have formed for Myself; they shall declare My praise”. Like the psalmist in Psalm 104:33-34, I will sing unto the Lord as long as I live: I will sing praise to my God while I have my being. My meditation of Him shall be sweet! Psalm 100:4 says, “Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise: be thankful unto him, and bless his name”. Psalm 149:6 says, “Let the high praises of God be in their mouth, and a two-edged sword in their hand”. Meditating, singing praise, being thankful and obedient, spending time in the Word, and time in prayer will let God know that we love Him and treasure our relationship with Him. May we remember that we are lost if we reject God’s plan of redemption but have access to abundant life if we choose Him. In choosing Him, let us be grateful and give Him all praise, glory, and honor due to Him. Amen!