Redeemed By Blood.

First, a devotional meditation:

We are going to be reminded of the precious and once for all sacrifice of Jesus Christ for our redemption:

"Forasmuch as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold, from your vain conversation received by tradition from your fathers; But with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot: Who verily was foreordained before the foundation of the world, but was manifest in these last times for you, Who by him do believe in God, that raised him up from the dead, and gave him glory; that your faith and hope might be in God."

1st Peter 1.18-21.

Reflecting on the profound truth that our salvation was not bought with perishable wealth or through our own efforts, but with something far more valuable—the pure and precious blood of Jesus Christ, we poignantly remind ourselves that this sacrifice was planned before ever the world began. This in itself alone proclaims God's infinite love and mercy towards us.

Christ's sacrifice was flawless and unblemished, fulfilling the ancient prophecy of the spotless Lamb whose blood would redeem the world from sin. Through Christ's resurrection, our faith and hope are anchored in God, who triumphed over death and calls us to eternal life.

Today, let us cherish this truth afresh and live happily and fruitfully in the light of God's grace. May we remember the incalculable price of our redemption and respond with hearts full of gratitude and lives surrendered to His will.

A Prayer:

Heavenly Father, we thank You for the precious gift of salvation through Jesus Christ. Help us to grasp the height and depth and length and breadth of His sacrifice and to live each day with faith and hope in You. May our lives reflect Your glory and may we never forget the price paid for our redemption.

In Jesus' name, Amen.

Now, we will look at these verses more broadly. 

Peter speaks of the high and priceless nature of our redemption through Christ. He begins by starkly contrasting the weak and futile ways in which people have by either family or religious tradition self-righteously sought for their own significance or even salvation. It always comes down to one thing. Money. Through material possessions like silver and gold, or through empty customs inherited from ancestors, people think that they will be safe, but these things cannot purchase eternal life or any freedom from sin. 

Instead, unflinchingly, Peter proclaims that the true cost and means of our redemption is the precious blood of Jesus Christ, whom he compares to a sacrificial lamb without any flaw or imperfection. This imagery takes us straight back to the Old Testament sacrificial system, where a perfect lamb was offered to atone for sin. At Calvary, Jesus too, was made the spotless Lamb whose sacrifice was ordained by God before the creation of the world.

Although Jesus came into the world in these last days for us as God's plan for our salvation, His role was predestined and preordained.

Through Christ, we have faith in God, who raised Jesus from the dead and exalted Him in glory. His glorious resurrection affirmed His victory over sin and death and serves as the foundation for our faith and hope in all God's promises. The perfect, unblemished sacrifice of Jesus Christ, planned by God since before time began. Our faith and hope are secured through Christ's resurrection, guiding us to live in grateful obedience to God, who offers us eternal life through His Only Begotten Son.

The Glory of Christ Revealed.

And when I saw him, I fell at his feet as dead. And he laid his right hand upon me, saying unto me, Fear not; I am the first and the last: I am he that liveth, and was dead; and, behold, I am alive for evermore, Amen; and have the keys of hell and of death.

Revelation 1 : 17-18

As the apostle John was exiled on the rugged beach at Patmos, he saw a vision of unparalleled majesty and splendor, an appearing of the glorified Christ, the Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end. In the midst of all his persecution and isolation, he sees the glorious Christ. And with him, we are invited to walk alongside and see, in a reverential manner, full of awe, wonder, and profound revelation, the unveiled glory of the risen Lord.

Through the glass of John's vision, we see the tender touch of the hand of Christ, the resounding declaration of His divine identity, and the triumphant proclamation of His victory over death and Hell. In these verses, we see not only a glimpse into the sovereignty and power of Christ but also an invitation, in the strongest sense, to all who will hear His voice: to believe, to receive, and to experience the transforming power of His resurrection life. We consider the significance of this divine revelation and its enduring relevance for believers today.

Here is an exposition of Revelation 1:17-18:

1. The Appearance of the Glorified Christ (Rev 1:17a)

The apostle John, who wrote the book of Revelation, encountered the glorified Christ on the island of Patmos (Rev 1:9-10). The scene is dramatic and starts with a shaking of John's nature from the intense majesty and glory of the risen Lord.

2. The Consoling Words of Christ (Rev 1:17b)

Christ, in His grace, reaches His right hand toward John and touches him. It is a gesture symbolising encouragement, and power:

Encouragement, in that it is a profound and clear, if wordless message to John that he is not alone, and that Christ is with him in all his troubles.

Power, in that in this touch of the hand, Christ imparts to John spiritual power in the very middle of all his sufferings, providing both peace and strength to His servant.

3. The Divine Nature of Christ (Rev 1:17c).

Christ says, "I am the first and the last." Such a title strongly suggests the eternal nature of Christ and his preeminence over all creation. Christ assures both John and us his readers of His preeminence over all things that have happened in the past, present, and future as well as what is described here in the book of Revelation.

4. The Authority of Christ Over Death (Rev 1.18a).

The fact that Christ says, "I am he that liveth, and was dead; and, behold, I am alive for evermore, Amen; and have the keys of hell and of death," makes it clear that the death of the Son of God and his glorious resurrection place him in control of life and death. By first declaring that he was dead and now lives forever, he shows the apparent victory over death when He died on the cruel cross and by His glorious resurrection His power over the grave. The fact that he possesses the keys of hell and of death shows further that he is in charge of and dominant over the realms of physical and spiritual death.

5. The Eternal Life Through Christ

(Rev 1.18b).

The fact that the Son of God claimed eternal life assures the believer that eternal life is a blessed provision by grace alone through the Son of God. Jesus Christ is the only one who conquered death. The Son of God promises that everlasting life will be an attribute of believers as well. His resurrection means that He won the victory over death and promises resurrection and eternal life for all who would come into him through repentance and faith. This verse is a testimony to the centrality of Christ's victory over death in the Christian faith and assurance of eternal life to believers in the face of condemnation for sin.

6. The Importance of the Amen.

"Amen" is a statement of the certainty and truth of Christ's words. In biblical context, it means affirmation, agreement, and absolute certainty.

This concluding word is a call to believers and non-belivers to respond in repentance and faith, fully trusting in the promises and mercy of Christ.

The victory of Christ over death, the promise of eternal life through him, and the surety of his words—all are the foundation of Christian belief based on the deep truths of this verse.

7. The Evangelistic Appeal: Invitation to Believe (Rev 1:17-18).

Here, loudly and clearly, the Gospel Call is extended to all those who hear these words. Encounter the glorified Christ, His comforting touch, and rest in His of victory over death! These wonrful promises are not for John alone, but for all believers in Christ throughout history.

Yes, the words of Christ transcend beyond the ages of time, and indeed even the pages of Holy Scripture to reach out to every penitent heart, feeling the terrible weight of his own sin, and seeking love, mercy, hope, purpose, and eternal life.

The assurance of Christ's presence, His power over death, and His promise of resurrection is a lifeline for all those lost in the darkness of sin and despair. This passage serves as an open call to every soul to turn to Christ, receiving His forgiveness, and to experience the transforming power of His love. 

It calls the weary and burdened to come to Him for rest, promising that He will never cast away those who come to Him in faith: see Matthew 11:28; John 6:37.

Today, may you hear these words; may you listen for the voice of the Saviour calling out to you, inviting you to believe in Him and receive the gift of eternal life: "John 3:16." 

Receive Christ as your Lord and Saviour, and experience the joy of knowing Him, the assurance of His presence, and the hope of resurrection and everlasting fellowship with Him.

Encounter the glorified Christ now. This is not only the revelation of His divine identity and authority but also an open invitation to all to believe in Him and experience the gift of eternal life. Let this invitation resonate in your heart today, and, in response, hear the call of the Saviour.

Let's Close With Prayer.

Gracious and Almighty God,

As we come before Your throne of grace, we are humbled by the revelation of Your glory and the majesty of Your Son, Jesus Christ. 

We thank You for the privilege of searching the depths of Your Word and encountering the living Christ through the vision granted to Your servant John.

Lord, we are in awe of Your mercy and compassion, as seen in Your touch upon John, comforting him in his hour of need.

May we, too, feel the warmth of Your embrace, knowing that You are near, even in the midst of our trials and tribulations.

We praise You, O Lord, for the revelation of Christ's divine identity as the first and the last, the Alpha and Omega.

Help us to grasp the depth of His sovereignty and the extent of His love, knowing that He holds all things in His hands and has conquered death itself.

Father, we are grateful for the assurance of resurrection power found in Christ's victory over death and Hell. May this truth resonate within our hearts, filling us with hope and courage as we journey through this life, knowing that we are destined for eternal life with You.

And now, as we conclude our time in Your Word, Lord, we pray for Your Spirit to continue to work in our hearts, transforming us into faithful disciples of Christ.

May we respond to His invitation with faith and obedience, surrendering our lives wholly to His will.

In Jesus' name, we pray.

Amen.

May this short study of the revelation of Christ not only inform our minds but also ignite a fire in our souls—a passion to know Him more deeply and to make Him known to the world around us. 

May the Lord richly bless you. 

Psalm 13 

1 How long wilt thou forget me, O LORD? for ever? how long wilt thou hide thy face from me?

2 How long shall I take counsel in my soul, having sorrow in my heart daily? how long shall mine enemy be exalted over me?

3 Consider and hear me, O LORD my God: lighten mine eyes, lest I sleep the sleep of death;

4 Lest mine enemy say, I have prevailed against him; and those that trouble me rejoice when I am moved.

5 But I have trusted in thy mercy; my heart shall rejoice in thy salvation.

6 I will sing unto the LORD, because he hath dealt bountifully with me.

**1. Introduction**

Psalm 13 is a poignant expression of human struggle, reflecting the emotions of despair, longing, and ultimately, hope in God's faithfulness. This psalm is attributed to King David and serves as a model for believers to bring their deepest feelings and concerns before the Lord.

**2. Cry of Desperation (Verses 1-2)**

David begins by pouring out his soul before God, feeling abandoned and forgotten: "How long wilt thou forget me, O Lord? forever? how long wilt thou hide thy face from me? How long shall I take counsel in my soul, having sorrow in my heart daily?" (Psalm 13:1-2a, KJV). His questions reveal raw honesty and the intensity of his distress.

**3. A Plea for God's Attention (Verse 2b)**

Despite his anguish, David entreats God to intervene: "how long shall mine enemy be exalted over me?" (Psalm 13:2b, KJV). He seeks divine intervention against his adversaries, yearning for God's deliverance and vindication.

**4. Petition for Enlightenment (Verse 3)**

David implores God to consider and answer him: "Consider and hear me, O Lord my God: lighten mine eyes, lest I sleep the sleep of death" (Psalm 13:3, KJV). He seeks clarity and renewed vision, fearing spiritual and physical demise without God's intervention.

**5. Trusting in God's Unfailing Love (Verses 5-6)**

In a turning point of the psalm, David's tone shifts from despair to confidence in God's steadfast love: "But I have trusted in thy mercy; my heart shall rejoice in thy salvation. I will sing unto the Lord, because he hath dealt bountifully with me" (Psalm 13:5-6, KJV). Despite his circumstances, David chooses to trust in God's unfailing mercy and salvation, leading him to rejoice and praise the Lord.

**6. Key Themes and Application**

a. **Lament and Trust**: Psalm 13 beautifully illustrates the tension between lamenting life's hardships and trusting in God's sovereignty and faithfulness. It encourages believers to express their deepest struggles honestly before God while anchoring their hope in His character.

b. **God's Timing**: The psalm echoes the human experience of waiting on God's timing. David's initial questions of "how long?" resonate with anyone enduring prolonged challenges, reminding us that God's plans unfold according to His perfect timing.

c. **Hope in God's Deliverance**: David's journey from despair to praise underscores the transformative power of trusting God amid trials. As believers, we can take solace in knowing that God hears our cries and works all things for our good, even in the midst of adversity.

**7. Personal Reflection and Prayer**

As we reflect on Psalm 13, let us echo David's honesty in our prayers, laying our burdens before the Lord and trusting in His unfailing love. May we find comfort in knowing that God hears our cries, sustains us in our struggles, and ultimately leads us into joy and praise through His salvation.

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Psalm 13 is a testament to the depth of human emotion and the unchanging nature of God's love and faithfulness. May it serve as an encouragement and source of hope for all who turn to the Lord in times of trial.

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Let's pray together. 

Heavenly Father,We come before You with hearts open and transparent, just as David did in Psalm 13. Thank You for the timeless wisdom found in Your Word, which speaks to our deepest struggles and points us to unwavering hope in You.Lord, like David, we acknowledge the times when we feel forgotten and abandoned. We bring before You our burdens, our fears, and our uncertainties, trusting that You hear our cries and understand the depths of our hearts.Father, as we navigate through life's challenges, help us to hold onto faith and hope in Your unfailing love. Teach us to wait patiently on Your timing, knowing that You are working all things for our good.We echo David's declaration of trust: "But I have trusted in thy mercy; my heart shall rejoice in thy salvation" (Psalm 13:5, KJV). May our hearts be filled with joy as we meditate on Your steadfast mercy and salvation.Lord, lighten our eyes with Your truth and wisdom, that we may see beyond our circumstances and fix our gaze upon You. May our faith be strengthened, and our spirits uplifted by the assurance of Your presence with us.Thank You, Lord, for dealing bountifully with us, just as You did with David. We praise You for Your faithfulness and goodness that never cease.In closing, we commit ourselves anew to trust in You and to praise You in all circumstances. May Your name be glorified in our lives as we journey with You day by day.We pray all these things in the precious name of Jesus,Amen.

I say unto you, that likewise joy shall be in heaven over one sinner that repenteth, more than over ninety and nine just persons, which need no repentance.

Luke 15 : 7

Introduction:

Here, Jesus shares a parable about the joy in heaven over one sinner who repents. This whole chapter is part of a series of parables emphasising the value of repentance and God's relentless pursuit of those who are lost. 

Let us explore this verse more deeply.

1. The Parable of the Lost Sheep (Luke 15:3-7):

   The passage opens with Jesus telling the parable of the lost sheep. A shepherd leaves ninety-nine sheep to search for just one that is lost. And when he does find it, he joyfully carries it home, and upon his return, he calls together all his friends to celebrate, saying, “Rejoice with me; for I have found my sheep which was lost” Luke 15:6.

2. The Spiritual Meaning:

   This parable illustrates God's heart for the lost. Each of us is represented by the sheep. When one lost sinner, whoever it is, strays, God does not abandon them but actively seeks their return. The shepherd's joy here on earth mirrors the rejoicing in heaven over a single sinner who repents.

3. A Little Context:

   It is in this context that Jesus declares in verse 7, "I say unto you, that likewise joy shall be in heaven over one sinner that repenteth, more than over ninety and nine just persons, which need no repentance" (Luke 15:7, KJV). Here, Jesus reveals to us the extraordinary joy in heaven over the repentance of even one lost soul.

4. God’s Unfailing Love and Mercy:

   This verse shows us the burning heart of God towards lost sinners. His love is not conditional, yet still and forever unwavering. The joy in heaven is not just for the righteous but is magnified when a wayward soul returns to Him.

5. The Call to Repentance and Rejoicing:

   Through this parable and this verse, Jesus calls us all to repentance. He invites lost sinners and wayward Christians to turn back to God, assuring them of a heavenly celebration when they do. The Father’s arms are open wide to receive all who come to Him in humility and repentance.

Let's pray together. 

Heavenly Father,

We thank You for Your unending love and mercy demonstrated through Jesus Christ. Your heart rejoices over each lost soul who repents and turns to You. May we be moved by Your love and grace to seek repentance and reconciliation with You. Help us to share in the joy of heaven by leading others back to You.

In Jesus’ name, Amen.