Proclaiming God's Redemption

"Now there was one, Anna, a prophetess, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher. She was of a great age, and had lived with a husband seven years from her virginity; and this woman was a widow of about eighty-four years, who did not depart from the temple, but served God with fastings and prayers night and day. And coming in that instant she gave thanks to the Lord, and spoke of Him to all those who looked for redemption in Jerusalem." (Luke 2:36-38 NKJ)

Redemption of mankind is not a new concept. God had already prepared for it before the enemy's deception in the Garden of Eden. But as soon as redemption was needed, God promised it would come (Genesis 3:15).

And down through the ages, men and women have longed for it, looked for it and sought after it. Some have thought it comes through a boat and a rainbow. Others have thought it comes through human ingenuity. Still others have thought it comes through laws and practicing rituals. And even some have thought it comes through philosophies, attitudes, science or even secret knowledge. Yet, despite the redemptive nature in some human illustrations and concepts, none of them have produced true redemption.

Only God can redeem us from the sin, which resulted from the enemy's deception in the Garden. And God doesn't provide  it through human ingenuity and schemes. God's redemption only comes through God's plan -- his son sacrificed for every one who won't reject him (John 3:16).

The truly amazing thing is Anna saw and recognized God's redemption in the child who had laid in Bethlehem's manger. She came into the Temple only moments after he had been consecrated by Simeon according to the Law's prescription. But Anna saw more than a newly consecrated baby boy. She recognized him as the One by whom God would redeem Israel and all the world. And she began immediately telling anyone who would listen and all those who were looking for redemption.

Dear Father, thank you for redeeming us through your son, Jesus Christ. Empower us to both receive your redemption and proclaim him to everyone else who wants to be redeemed. This I pray in the name of Jesus. AMEN

Be strong and courageous today proclaiming God's redemption,