Redeemed

 

This hymn, written in 1882 by the prolific hymn writer Fanny J. Crosby (1820-1915), brings a picture to my mind. It is of Dare Smith, who was my pastor’s wife in the 60’s. My mother and she were friends and I stood beside her at least once when we sang that song. I have sung that song thousands of times, but I see and hear her when I do. I think the gusto she sang it with that day, indelibly marked it in my memory.

This morning, I was praying in faith for someone to receive Christ. This is a specific someone that I have prayed for, according to my prayer journals, since 1981--37 years. I don’t live near him, but I try each time I visit to witness to him and pray for him in person. He allows me to pray but refuses to ask Christ into His life. He still wants to “hope for the best” for what happens when he dies. We have talked very bluntly about it.

I trust God that even in my stumbling, full of errors witnessing efforts that he will respond to the Holy Spirit’s prompting and be redeemed. Redeemed in its dictionary definition means that someone was released from captivity by payment or ransom. Jesus offers redemption from sin and punishment for it. No one is good enough or perfect enough to escape sin (Rom. 3:23). It is our nature, we are born into it and need a savior. Jesus is the only Savior that can do it (John 14:6). But we cannot save someone else—our children, our friends, anyone. They have to decide by placing their trust in him (John 3:16).

I sang this song several times in my house this morning out loud, trusting God to save this loved person for whom so many prayers have been prayed. Who are you praying for and sharing with?

Redeemed, how I love to proclaim it!
Redeemed by the blood of the Lamb;
Redeemed through His infinite mercy,
His child and forever I am.

Redeemed, redeemed,
Redeemed by the blood of the Lamb;
Redeemed, redeemed,
His child and forever I am.

Redeemed, and so happy in Jesus,
No language my rapture can tell;
I know that the light of His presence
With me doth continually dwell.

I think of my blessèd Redeemer,
I think of Him all the day long:
I sing, for I cannot be silent;
His love is the theme of my song.

I know I shall see in His beauty
The King in whose law I delight;
Who lovingly guardeth my footsteps,
And giveth me songs in the night.

I know there’s a crown that is waiting,
In yonder bright mansion for me,
And soon, with the spirits made perfect,
At home with the Lord I shall be.