DAY 11—The Redemption means release from the stronghold of sin.
The word Redeemer in these passages from Isaiah, that we are seeing each day, comes from the Hebrew word ga’al. It basically has reference to one’s nearest relative. This could be the one who could pay the ransom for the deliverance of a slave, or of a prisoner of war. Or, it could be one who could take up the care of a woman left widowed. When used in reference to the Lord, we discover Him as our blessed “nearest Kinsman,” the One who gives Himself to redeem our soul from slavery to sin. To accomplish the redemption with a completion that sets us free from sin’s slavery, or the hopelessness of widowhood, or from the prison camp of the enemy, He took on the form of man, and gave His own life’s blood to redeem us.
Isaiah 60:15,16—Whereas thou hast been forsaken and hated, so that no man went through thee, I will make thee an eternal excellency, a joy of many generations. Thou shalt also suck the milk of the Gentiles, and shalt suck the breast of kings: and thou shalt know that I the LORD am thy Savior and thy REDEEMER, the mighty One of Jacob. NIrV—"You have been deserted and hated. No one even travels through you. But I will make you into something to be proud of forever. You will be a place of joy for all time to come. You will get everything you need from kings and nations. You will be like children who are nursing at their mother's breasts. Then you will know that I am the one who saves you. I am the Lord. I set you free. I am the Mighty One of Jacob.
Hebrews 9:12-14—Neither by the blood of goats and calves, but by His Own blood He entered in once into the Holy Place, having obtained eternal redemption for us. For if the blood of bulls and of goats, and the ashes of an heifer sprinkling the unclean, sanctifieth to the purifying of the flesh: How much more shall the blood of Christ, Who through the eternal Spirit offered Himself without spot to God, purge your conscience from dead works to serve the living God? NIrV—He did not enter by spilling the blood of goats and calves. He entered the Most Holy Room by spilling his own blood. He did it once and for all time. He paid the price to set us free from sin forever.
PRECIOUS REDEEMER, sometimes I have felt forsaken and hated. I’ve fell like a reproach to Your Name. But today, I am ready to turn from these feelings—these dead feelings. I open myself to the excellency of Your calling. Seal me as a child in Your household. And please do a new work in these I hold before Your Throne today. Let them know that You have an excellent purpose for them.
The Redeemed Brought to Excellency—Isaiah 60:14-18; Galatians 4:4-7