Titus 2:11-14
For the grace of God has appeared that offers salvation to all people. It teaches us to say "No" to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age, while we wait for the blessed hope- the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ, who gave himself for us to redeem us from all wickedness and to purify for himself a people that are his very own, eager to do what is good.
I looked up the word 'redeem' in the dictionary this morning, and these verses very clearly illustrate the meaning I read: paying or giving something in order to get something back, or something in exchange. Jesus' life was exchanged for his people's eternal life. The extra layer of meaning from scripture is that with Jesus redeeming us, we are saved from a fate worse than simply death. We are saved from an eternity separated from God, and promised an eternity with Him. Redemption takes on a new meaning for me starting today.
Dear God, thank you for taking me in, and including me in your promises. Thank you for redeeming me. I will try my hardest to live up to your plans for me. I will try to be a good and faithful servant. Amen
Becky, transforming