“and forget not all his benefits: … Who redeemeth thy life from destruction;” – Psalms 103:2b,4a
To “redeem” means to buy back. When a Hebrew went bankrupt he would sometimes sell himself or his family into slavery. There were special rules for keeping Hebrew slaves — one being redemption.1 A wealthy relative could buy back their freedom!
There are two (2) areas where I rely on this verse:
First, there are different kinds of slavery. Some are slaves to addiction, ungodly relationships, destructive behavior — God tells us not to forget that he redeems us these. Jesus, our relative (human) has the spiritual currency to purchase us from any kind of slavery. He wants us to believe him when he says redemption is possible and available. Call on him for redemption.
Second, there are several kinds of destruction. There is spiritual destruction, yes, but we also find ourselves in dangerous and destructive places. Even crossing the street can be hazardous. I believe God wants us to call on him for protection. We can call out to Jesus for help. We should teach our children to cry to God for help.
Don’t just spiritualize this. Part of God’s benefits he wants us to ask for is escape from every kind of destruction.
Prayer: Jesus, show me where I need to be redeemed from destruction and be my redemption. Amen.
– fritz@langgang.com
1 – Example: Leviticus 25:47-49
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