A Glimpse of Redemption

Some years ago, I was jogging with a friend. He and his wife had recently lost a baby during their pregnancy. I can only imagine all the emotions he must have been experiencing. But as we were running, he said, "I've always struggled with the Christian theme of redemption — understanding what it means. But recently I think I got a glimpse. On the one hand, this has been the hardest thing that my wife and I have ever gone through. On the other hand, because we are going through this together, we have experienced a level of closeness and intimacy that I didn't know was possible. I think we realized more than ever how fragile life is and how much we really need each other."

His comments made me reflect on redemption — and the way that life is layered. There is so much that is good and true and beautiful. And that often sits right alongside the heartache and violence and brokenness. But sometimes we do get a glimpse of the way in which God can bring good out of bad, beauty out of ugly, light out of the dark.

Redemption doesn't erase the hard thing. It works through it, alongside it — until something new and unexpected emerges on the other side.

Psalm 130 makes the powerful claim that "with the Lord there is steadfast love, and with him is great power to redeem." This is not a promise that life will be smooth or without suffering. But it is a promise that things will not always be as they are today. There is hope. God will have the last word.

Prayer: Today, loving God, I lift up to you those who are carrying heavy burdens — those who feel as though they are in the midst of the darkest night. Meet them in this moment, that they would sense your loving presence. Grant each of us eyes to see your hand at work in our lives, even now; for you are the God who has promised to make all things new. Amen.

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