Redemption

I have been thinking a lot about redemption lately. Not surprising for someone in my profession I guess. I mean it kind of comes with the job description. Perhaps when people apply for ministry they should have to sign a contract that says, "Thou shalt think about redemption at least 2 a day, salvation all day and while continually talking to Jesus."

I don't know about signing a contract but I do try at least talking to Jesus as much as I can
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But still have been thinking about it loads. The thing about redemption is that it is like an onion (not parfait), it has many layers. Yes at the core is the wonderful news that Jesus has redeemed us by his death and resurrection. I live in that wonderful news every day. The other aspect to it is that it covers what I need redeeming for and from. Both past and future. WOW.
There's another layer though that has really gotten me thinking recently and it is sort of dealt with the 2 films that I recently saw. Gran Torino with Clint Eastwood playing a "Dirty Harry-like" figure who hates the world and everyone in it, especially those of different cultures. He is "forced" into an uncanny friendship with a boy who tries to steal his car. As the movie expands on this friendship Eastwood's character changes and its is in helping that he is set free from his bitterness. Mmmmm . . . and redeemed.

The other film that made me think is "Man on Fire". A movie I have wanted to see for a long time but just never got around to it. I guess it could be God's timing in me seeing it now.
The 2 films tell very similar stories. Of 2 men finding redemption in a loving, caring and sacrificing for someone else. That makes me think. Perhaps redemption isn't just about me having a clean slate so that I can be in heaven. Perhaps God intended it to be more than that. Maybe there is a very real sense of us working out our redemption while we are still breathing. Not earning our redemption, we can't do that but working it out. How is it worked out? In our relationships with others, as we care for, love and make sacrifices for them.

I think the Bible say it best in Phil 2:12 "Work hard to show the results of your salvation, obeying God with deep reverence and fear. 13 For God is working in you, giving you the desire and the power to do what pleases him." (NLT)

Just something I have been thinking about.