LENT V
March 21, 2021
“All Sinners . . . All Redeemed” “For there is no distinction, since all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God; they are now justified by his grace as a gift, through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus.” (Romans 3:22b-24)
The theme of redemption, or of being redeemed, appears frequently throughout the season of Lent, as we learn of Jesus’ journey of ministry that ultimately takes him to Jerusalem and the fulfillment of his purpose on earth. As we read and listen to specific terms and phrases, we may think we know their meanings, but our understanding is often limited or superficial.
For a long time, I assumed that redeemed meant paid for, or purchased, and to an extent that’s true. However, the margin notes in my Lutheran Study Bible gave me a new and significant perspective: “the word redemption refers to buying back someone who has been kidnapped or taken as a prisoner of war. It also refers to buying a slave in order to set the slave free.” The profound nature of this definition was stunning, as I realized that I’ve read or heard references to “redeemed sinners” without understanding the true meaning of redemption. The concept of redeeming or paying a ransom for the purpose of setting a person free goes far beyond generosity — it is life-giving!
According to the Book of Exodus, as the Hebrew people were led out of slavery from Egypt, they sang praises to God for redeeming them. The Psalms describe the people of Israel as being “God’s redeemed.” The authors of the New Testament, both Gospels and letters, were able to describe Christ’s mission by speaking of redemption, as those they addressed were familiar with the freeing nature of this action.
Can you imagine what it would be like to be a free person and to purchase members of your own family? Earlier this winter, watching the TV show, “Finding Your Roots” I listened in amazement to Dr. Henry Gates, the host, tell a guest about his family history. The guest knew almost nothing about his background beyond his grandparents, except for a name or two, and as the researchers kept following the trail of information, a remarkable story emerged. An ancestor of several generations back was a free Black man who was able to purchase land, developed a couple of businesses, and was instrumental in establishing a small town. He then tracked down a number of family members who were enslaved, purchased them, and freed them! The guest was almost in tears as he heard this account, and was both humbled and grateful to be able to claim this good and generous man as his ancestor.
We, too, living in slavery to sin, have been purchased and freed by the sacrifice of our Lord and Savior through his death on the cross and his resurrection from the dead through the power of God. What a remarkable gift it is to be saved so as to be set free, and how blessed we are to be able to freely share the good news of God’s never-ending love and faithfulness.
Redeemed for a purpose,
Your friend in Christ,
Mary Rogers