From Hands too Strong

Daily Reading: Jeremiah 31

Scripture Focus: For the Lord has ransomed Jacob and has redeemed him from hands too strong for him.  (Jeremiah 31.11)

Devotional Thought: Even though Jeremiah is often called the "Weeping Prophet," his outlook is sometimes full of joy! 

Jeremiah saw that though ‘Jacob’ (the people of Israel) had gone into the exile of sin, God had made provision for their rescue and return:

·       The Lord has ransomed…  "Jacob" (the people of God) had been taken captive – in essence kidnapped. Kidnappers demand high ransom payments.  I read of a family in Argentina who paid a ransom of $290 million.  I don’t think I could get someone to pay that ransom for me.  Lana would try, but it’s well beyond her reach.  Jesus once asked, “What can anyone give in exchange for their soul?” (Matthew 16.26, NIV)).  Only the Lord can ransom our lives!  We were ransomed from sin by the highest amount ever paid – the blood of Jesus, the only Son of God!

·       The Lord has redeemed…  In the Old Testament, when someone sold themselves as a slave, they or a Kinsman-Redeemer could buy back their freedom.  We have been sold as slaves to sin (Romans 7.14), and are unable to buy ourselves out of slavery.  But, Jesus Christ is our Kinsman-Redeemer!  “For you know that it was not with perishable things such as silver or gold that you were redeemed from the empty way of life handed down to you from your ancestors, but with the precious blood of Christ, a lamb without blemish or defect” (1 Peter 1.18-19).

The sin that imprisons and enslaves us is too strong for us.  But, there is power in the name of Jesus to break every chain!  Are you held captive by chains from the past from which you cannot break free?  Speak the name of Jesus!  He has ransomed and redeemed us from hands too strong!

Prayer: Thank you, Lord Jesus, for breaking the chains of my past.  The hands that held me fast in despair were too strong for me, but you have ransomed me!  You have redeemed me!  I praise you, Lord.  Amen.

Psalm of the Day: Psalm 119.25-32

25 My soul clings to the dust; give me life according to your word!

26 When I told of my ways, you answered me; teach me your statutes!

27 Make me understand the way of your precepts, and I will meditate on your wondrous works.

28 My soul melts away for sorrow; strengthen me according to your word!

29 Put false ways far from me and graciously teach me your law!

30 I have chosen the way of faithfulness; I set your rules before me.

31 I cling to your testimonies, O Lord; let me not be put to shame!

32 I will run in the way of your commandments when you enlarge my heart!