There is a Redeemer and His name is Jesus. His coming to earth – to live, minister, be crucified and resurrected – had great purpose. Jesus left glory for an earthly existence in order to redeem humanity. To restore us into the relationship with God we are designed to have, and to indwell us with His Spirit so that we could carry on His work in the world.

Work? Some would say we are redeemed to be blessed. To enjoy fruitful ministry and financial reward. To bring glory to God. And to be sure, blessings and ministry and God’s glory are made manifest in and around us at times.

But what if those things are not to be our focus. What if our purpose is to carry on the work Jesus began on earth – teaching, preaching, healing, restoring relationships and ultimately restoring all Creation. Showing a way to life and wholeness in our Lord. Sharing the Light of the world with all people, as has been God’s purpose for His people since the beginning.

Taking no thought for ourselves. Carrying our cross, denying self, and serving others. Living among, being a voice for the marginalized. Loving the unlovely, and unloveable. Giving away more than we keep. Not worrying about material possessions or stature in the community.

Believing fully in the power of God to change lives, neighborhoods, communities and our world.

Believing there is a Redeemer, as the song lyrics so aptly state . . .

There is a Redeemer,
Jesus, God’s own Son,
Precious Lamb of God, Messiah,
Holy One,
Jesus my Redeemer,
Name above all names,
Precious Lamb of God, Messiah,
Oh, for sinners slain.

Thank you oh my Father,
For giving us Your Son,
And leaving Your Spirit,
‘Til the work on Earth is done.
There is a Redeemer . . . .

Proclaiming there is a Redeemer who lives, as Job did. Just verses after crying that there is no justice, no hope, nobody to help him, and nothing but darkness all around him, Job’s declaration rings forth, ‘As for me, I know that my Redeemer lives . . .’ Job 19:25

And that I must echo, no matter my pain levels. No matter the evil in the world. No matter the anger and helplessness I feel at the plight of children in our city. Still I will believe and proclaim that yes, there is a Redeemer who lives. Who lives to save us. To help us overcome whatever it is in our way today threatening to overcome us. To change us. To indwell us. To use us in His work in this world.

Will you believe . . . ?