Redemption

Redemption

In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God’s grace that he lavished on us with all wisdom and understanding.

Ephesians 1:7-8, NIV

During their elementary years, my sons rode bikes to school when weather permitted. One day Nate walked home, forgetting that he’d ridden his bike. Around dinnertime he remembered, but when he went back to get the bike, it was gone. First we felt sad with him about his loss, and later we discussed the importance of locks and bike registration.

When Nate became the happy owner of a replacement bike, my husband and I made sure he used a bike lock, and we also decided to register the bike at the police station. On the Saturday my husband took Nate to register, a police auction was taking place. You can imagine their surprise when one of the items to be auctioned off was the bike that Nate had left at school! My husband spoke with the officer in charge, who said that if he could come up with some proof of ownership, Nate could have the bike back. Jim and Nate zipped home, picked up some papers, and later returned with the lost bike.

That evening at dinner we used the story of the bike to explain the meaning of redemption to our children. To redeem is to recover ownership or to rescue. When Jesus died on the cross, he provided redemption to rescue us from sin. Our family’s redemption of the bike was very satisfying, but it was not costly. When Jesus redeemed us, it cost him his life’s blood. That’s how much he loves us!

Great Redeemer,

We are awed at how much you love us. On days when we lack hope and faith, help us to remember your amazing gift of love. Amen.