Contemplative Bible Reading

Exodus 13:13 (New Living Translation)

A firstborn donkey may be bought back from the Lord by presenting a lamb or young goat in its place. But if you do not buy it back, you must break its neck. However, you must buy back every firstborn son.

This verse is part of a long list of laws about redemption. One Google definition of redeem is:

gain or regain possession of (something) in exchange for payment.

Jehovah was emphasizing to His people that He owned everything. There were some items that especially belonged to Him. He allowed the redeeming or “buying back” of some items. Still, the emphasis was that Jehovah owned the item.

This all leads to Jesus the Messiah—our redeemer. I think of the old song I Know that My Redeemer Lives by Charles Wesley. I tend to set aside the word redeemer for religion only. That is my problem and challenge.

So where does all this meandering in print lead? Jesus the redeemer bought me; He brought me back to Jehovah from a pathetic sinful condemnation. Thank you God for your grace. Let me never forget it.