The Lord Our Redeemer

In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace. Ephesians 1:7

I have fond memories of coming home from school as a child, grabbing a snack, and watching the television show, Gilligan’s Island. You know the story. Two crew members and five passengers set sail for a 3-hour tour on the USS Minnow when a storm blew up, causing them to be shipwrecked. For several years, we watched as they tried and tried to be rescued. I can’t even imagine really being stranded on a deserted island, needing rescue. A situation like that, no doubt, seems hopeless. But regardless, I have needed rescue in so many other ways. 

A redeemer is one who rescues another, releasing them from oppression, harm, or enslavement. Throughout the Bible, God’s work of redemption is revealed, ultimately pointing to Jesus as the supreme Redeemer of all humanity. 

The Israelites were forced into slavery in Egypt and remained there for 400 years. But God provided rescue and redemption for His people. In Exodus 6:6, God promised, “I will redeem you with an outstretched arm and great acts of judgment.” And, He did just that! God brought the ten plagues (also known as the “great judgments”) upon the Egyptians and delivered the Israelites through the Red Sea as Moses stretched out his arm and staff. They experienced freedom from the Egyptians, only to be enslaved in the wilderness because of their lack of trust and obedience. 

Fast forward to the Book of Isaiah. The prophet Isaiah warned the Israelites of their impending destruction and captivity by the Babylonians as a result of their disobedience and disregard for God. Chapter 60 points to the hope of the Jewish nation returning to reestablish themselves and to rebuild Jerusalem. In verse 16b, God says, "You will know that I, the Lord, am your Savior and Redeemer, the Mighty One of Jacob.” The Hebrew name of God in this case is Jehovah Go’el, translated “The Lord Our Redeemer.” Eventually, the Israelites left Babylonian captivity and rebuilt Jerusalem in three distinct waves recorded primarily in the books of Ezra and Nehemiah. This return lasted approximately 70 years.

Fast forward again, this time to the New Testament. God also provided a means of redemption for all of us through Jesus. We were dead in our sins. Our relationship with God was broken. But Jesus came to earth to live a sinless, perfect life and to give His life as a ransom. He died on the cross and was resurrected three days later, overcoming death, reestablishing our relationship with the Father, and providing a way for us to live in eternity in heaven. We were rescued from our hopelessness by this free gift of grace, but only after placing our faith in Christ. We cannot redeem ourselves, nor can we do anything to earn it. 

How then are our lives to reflect this redemption? We are to seek Him, strive to obey Him, and live in gratitude. And we are to share Jesus with urgency so that others may experience the same rescue and not be left hopeless without Him. Just as Gilligan and his comrades were searching for rescue, many lost people are looking for a way out of their desperation. And, we know the means of rescue. Shame on us if we keep it to ourselves!

Call to Action

How have you taken God’s redemption for granted? How might you express more gratitude for what God and Jesus have done for you?

Who do you know who is trapped in their sin, desperate and hopeless? Ask God for the courage and boldness to step out and share Him with them. 

Sit and reflect for a while on the gift of grace that is yours because of Jesus. Praise God and Jesus for this selfless act. Write your thoughts in a journal. 

Digging Deeper

Read these additional verses of Scripture: Job 19:25, Psalm 107:2, Psalm 111:9, Psalm 130:7, Isaiah 44:22, Acts 3:19, Romans 5:10, 1 Corinthians 1:30, Galatians 1:4, Galatians 3:13, Colossians 1:13-14, Hebrews 9:15, 1 Peter 1:18-19.

Prayer

God, thank you for being my Redeemer. Thank you for your grace and for sending Jesus to rescue me from the darkness. Forgive me for not living like a redeemed child of Yours. Give me courage and boldness to tell others about You, Your love, and Your gospel. 

Copyright © 2026 Kyle Cravens