FULL REDEMPTION
17th May 2023
I had just heard the news of a pastor I knew well who had disappeared with a teenaged girl from his congregation. It was a shock and totally abhorrent. A few days later they both appeared distraught and ashamed of how this moment of passion could have occurred. I made contact with the pastor and arranged a time to meet. I was sad and angry and was thinking of what to say, to rebuke him for his foolishness, and to give him a piece of my mind!
As I prayed, the Lord took me to Psalm 130:7 & 8, “For with the Lord is unfailing love and with him is full redemption. He himself will redeem Israel from all their sins.” I received the rebuke from the Lord and the atmosphere of my encounter was totally changed. God is always in the business of restoration and redemption.
I have become aware recently of a number of situations where people are locked into the consequences of things that have happened a long time in the past. A failure has brought shame and condemnation and there seems to be no way forward. God is in the business of bringing about “full redemption”, He always has a hope and a future for His children.
It is the same with “forgiveness”. I know a lady in ministry who has not spoken to her parents for more than seven years because of an offence that remains unhealed and unforgiven.
Forgiveness is a fundamental teaching of Jesus. Matthew 6:14 says, “If you forgive people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you.” So many believe that forgiveness is something they can only do when they feel they can. This is not true. Forgiveness is an act of the will, it is a decision which once taken is life transforming.
James 3:10 says, “Out of the same mouth come praise and cursing. My brothers, this should not be.” To hear of broken relationships within the body of Christ is sad and tragic. If any of you are trapped in unforgiveness with people you need to forgive, I pray you will step out of your comfort zone and make things right for you both.
As I was praying about this week’s word the phrase “Full Redemption” came so strongly to me, I believe it is very important for many who will read this.
by Charles Sibthorpe
