To recover ownership of by paying a specified sum.
2. To pay off (a promissory note, for example).
3. To turn in (coupons, for example) and receive something in exchange.
4. To fulfill (a pledge, for example).
5. To convert into cash: redeem stocks.
6. To set free; rescue or ransom.
7. To save from a state of sinfulness and its consequences. See Synonyms at save1.
8. To make up for: The low price of the clothes dryer redeems its lack of special features.
9. To restore the honor, worth, or reputation of: You botched the last job but can redeem yourself on this one.
How often in our consumer driven culture do we see or use this term? Redeem this coupon, use this rebate, redeem your ticket, etc. It has such a consumer/monetary meaning based on stuff. Looking at these definitions I am struck at how much we are Redeemed by our Savior. He paid the sin debt, he was turned in, bodily, so we could receive his Spirit in exchange, He fulfilled a pledge of Love, He converted death into life, He rescued us... I could go on.
This a poem I wrote some time ago. I put it in the office mail box of the ladies leading the study at our church as a gift. It is now a gift to you. Love you ... believe you are redeemed in HIM with me.
Redeemed
I am not my own.
I was never my
own.
Like fallow land
sold in desperate times
I sold out. I am
sold out,
To
sin
To
pain
To death
But my Master has
returned
He sees not the
rocks and sand
But the verdant
soil of possibility.
I am bought back
for a price.
Brought back,
prodigal child to
my loving father.
I am not my own.
I was never my
own.
Yet, I trafficked
myself, my life, my love
Buying my chains
Kneeling in pain
Earning only tears
But the High
Priest declares the Jubilee
He goes before me
His blood pours
forth,
The chains break.
Tears wiped clean.
I stand.
I am bought back,
brought back.
I am not my own.
I was never my
own.
The Ransom is
paid --- My Father is here.
I am absolved –My
Master has come home
I was never my
own,
But His Child
Bought Back by His Love
Brought Back to His Heart
I was never my
own
I am bought back
Brought back
Free.
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