Redemption
FIFTH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST
SUNDAY, June 23
Ephesians 2:1-20
When I first heard an updated version of Samuel Medley’s “I Know That My Redeemer Lives,” I was catapulted into confusion, which sent me on a quest for greater understanding. What exactly is redemption?
What I discovered is that due to Christ’s sacrificing work on the cross, we are no longer slaves to our sinful natures. But by the willing shedding of his blood, Christ bought us a new freedom from sin—we are redeemed, bought back! We become a part of God’s family when we accept Christ’s work on the cross. The benefits of our redemption are considerable and include eternal life (Revelation 5:9-10), forgiveness of sins (Ephesians 1:7), righteousness (Romans 5:17), freedom from the law’s curse (Galatians 3:13), adoption into God’s family (Galatians 4:5), deliverance from sin’s bondage (Titus 2:14; 1 Peter 1:14-18), peace with God (Colossians 1:18-20), and the indwelling of the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 6:19-20). To be redeemed, then, is to be forgiven, holy, justified, free, adopted, and reconciled to God.
Heavenly Father, thank you for sending your Son, Jesus Christ, to redeem my soul. Let me honor and live for you today. Amen.
PRAYER FOCUS: OUR FAMILY OF FAITH, THE EVANGELICAL COVENANT CHURCH
Need
MONDAY, June 24
Job 38:1-11
In 1493 papal bulls asserted that any land not inhabited by Christians was available to be “discovered,” claimed, and exploited. If the pagan inhabitants could be converted, they might be spared. If not, they could be enslaved or killed. The doctrine contributed to papal justification for a mentality of European colonization and racial/gender superiority doctrines that still enslave our world today. Our need for redemption has always existed. We see that in the dehumanization and sins that arose from the Doctrine of Discovery. Christ’s death gives us the opportunity to be redeemed—forgiven, requesting repudiation and reconciliation. Redemption is God’s heart. Recognizing who God truly is as he expresses himself in today’s passage humbles the repentant heart and causes the cry, “Help me, Father! Give me your heart that forgives.”
Heavenly Father, you laid the foundation of our world, you have the power to set the boundaries of the sea, and you sent your Son to redeem our souls. Give us your heart that forgives. Amen.
Expression
TUESDAY, June 25
Psalm 107:1-3, 23-32
Across campus from a classroom where I was teaching stands a leading daycare center. I loved watching three- and four-year-olds line up two-by-two in front of the facility, head teachers in the back and front with volunteers on the sides, all excited for their afternoon walk. Giggles could be heard from my window as the class began their journey. Reaching the first area of fallen leaves, breaking formation, screams and shouts of joy emanated. Shuffling through leaf piles; some gathered, some threw themselves into play, some tried to go in different directions unnoticed by their teacher, some stood looking up at bare trees—all excited to be free and outside with friends. In today’s psalm I often think of the people of Israel, freed by God, after they returned from their exile in Babylon. Some stood and wondered; some rejoiced to be free, staying close; some went about looking for new places to explore, all rejoicing in the freedom God’s redemption had brought.
Heavenly Father, you are so very good. Enable us as your children to rejoice in our freedom and share your redeeming love with everyone we meet. Amen.
PRAYER FOCUS: HEALTHCARE WORKERS AND FIRST RESPONDERS
Mulligans
WEDNESDAY, June 26
Mark 4:35-41
The definition of a mulligan is to perform an action, usually after the first attempt went wrong through bad luck or a blunder. Do-overs, second chances, and their accompanying restrictions are used in finance, politics, and sports. But mulligans are also what we get through Christ’s redemption.
Jesus’s question to the disciples after he calmed the storm is a mulligan. Essentially he is implying, “You’ve seen me feed the 5,000 and heal the infirmed. You’ve sat under me as I taught countless people, yet you still have so little faith. Let’s try again to deepen your faith.” Our journey as disciples of Christ is full of mulligans.
Father God, everything you’ve taught and done for us has enabled us to know you. Every day we sin, but your mercies are new in the morning so each day we rise is a mulligan—another chance to improve, to grow in you! Have your way in us, in Christ’s name we pray. Amen.
Hindering Fear
THURSDAY, June 27
1 Samuel 17:4-11, 32-49
Every day that we rise is a chance to begin again (Lamentations 3:22-23). But fear can hinder us. I’ve read that our level of fear can reveal our closeness to God. Specifically, the more we are afraid, the farther we may be from God; the less we are afraid, the closer we may be to God.
In today’s Scripture when Saul and the Israelites hear Goliath’s defiance, they are terrified—everyone except the shepherd boy David who challenged Goliath’s threat because he knew who God was. The challenges in our lives may be great, but not greater than our Father when we remember our redemption and bring him forward to fight.
Father God, let me remember past victories that showed me who you are. Let me affirm with David in every fear-filled challenge that you will protect and deliver me. Amen.
PRAYER FOCUS: THE EVANGELICAL COVENANTS ANNUAL MEETING
Seeing
FRIDAY, June 28
Psalm 18:1-3, 28-31
“I love you, Lord, my strength” (v. 1, NIV).
Some theologians believe Psalm 18 was written toward the end of David’s life when there was peace throughout Israel and Judea. Throughout a lifetime of service, impossible challenges, betrayals, victories, and failures, David praised God and pursued him steadfastly, walking in the fullness of his strength.
What has your life taught you about God thus far? As human beings, we see things not as they are, but as we are. Do you want to see life through God’s eyes? Do you want to see yourself, other people, and all of creation through God’s love and heart? It’s a gift of redemption.
Father God, enable me to see my life, my family, your call on my life, and all that surrounds me through your eyes. Empower me to praise and obey you as David did—imperfectly but for your glory. Amen.
Praise
SATURDAY, June 29
Psalm 9:9-20
“Sing the praises of the Lord, enthroned in Zion; proclaim among the nations what he has done” (v. 11).
“Praise is expressing to God our appreciation and understanding of his great worth. It is saying thank you for each aspect of his divine nature. In praise, our inward attitudes become outward expressions. When we praise God, we help ourselves, by expanding our awareness of who he is” (Life Application Study Bible).
David praised God deeply and abundantly. He found God to be a constant shelter, always forgiving, never ignoring the cries of the suffering, bringing justice upon the deserving, ruling the nations with fairness, and offering redemption to the seeking, praising heart. As we move into the summer months—let us remember all he has brought us through and praise God. Let us praise him well.
Father God, teach me to sing your praises. Amen.
PRAYER FOCUS: COVENANT MINISTERS WHO ARE BEING ORDAINED
