When we consider the Old Testament Saints, the Apostles, and the Leaders of the Early Church; we tend to think of them as heroes. We think their faith and obedience far exceed that of which we can attain. Yet, when we truly study the Word of God, we find they were ordinary men and women. Not the heroes we would have even chosen. That is if we were authoring the story. The Holy Spirit did not even allow them to “hide” their sin nor their failures as they wrote. Instead, He had them include their failures for all to see, eternally. Why? So, that we might know there is no salvation without Jesus Christ. The Power of Redemption is in Jesus Christ Alone. Provided by Grace alone. That is our only Hope.
Even in the darkest trials, our only hope is the power of redemption by grace. Particularly this is true when we come face to face with our own depraved natures. The I which I try desperately to hide from the world. And myself. At the end of the day. When I finally come to the end of myself. Only then do I know with certainty. Were it not for Grace, I am hopelessly lost, undeserving of standing in the presence of a Holy God. Nothing my hands can do can change that. But thank God, His Grace can.
The Heroes of Faith, both Old and New Testament
We may desire to emulate them. Or place them on pedestals. But the truth is. Not one of the heroes of faith did anything of value apart from the workings of the Holy Spirit in them. Only in humility could they become useful to God’s work. Paul wrote:
4 But God, being rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us, 5 even when we were dead in our wrongdoings, made us alive together with Christ (by grace you have been saved), 6 and raised us up with Him, and seated us with Him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, 7 so that in the ages to come He might show the boundless riches of His grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus. 8 For by grace you have been saved through faith; and this is not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; 9 not a result of works, so that no one may boast. Ephesians 2 (NASB)
The Power of Redemption Comes Only Through Grace
Whenever they would attempt to do anything in their own power, they would fail miserably. The Power of Redemption comes only through Grace, as God reaches down to touch a soul. We see this displayed throughout scripture but for today’s lesson let us focus on David, Peter, Paul, Joseph’s brothers, and Jesus. Through a glimpse into their lives, I want to share with you the abundance of hope and even joy found because of the Power of Redemption through Grace alone.
The Power of Redemption by Grace—David’s Early Years as King
God chose David to be King over Israel and promised that his would be an everlasting covenant. That promise was made by God. It was an act of grace. David was considered the uninvited one in his family. When Samuel came to anoint a new king from among Jesse’s sons, David was left out on the hill tending the sheep. Later, although already Saul’s armor bearer, when war broke out, he was sent away. Uninvited to the battle against the Giant. In his humility, God chose him. For years, David ran for his life from King Saul. He trusted God for his safety and his promise of grace. David knew he was unworthy of such honor and grace. He came before God seeking the Power of Redemption through grace.
11 For Your name’s sake, O Lord,
Pardon my iniquity, for it is great.12 Who is the man that fears the Lord?
Him shall He teach in the way He chooses.
13 He himself shall dwell in prosperity,
And his descendants shall inherit the earth.
14 The secret of the Lord is with those who fear Him,
And He will show them His covenant.
15 My eyes are ever toward the Lord,
For He shall pluck my feet out of the net.16 Turn Yourself to me, and have mercy on me,
For I am desolate and afflicted.
17 The troubles of my heart have enlarged;
Bring me out of my distresses!
18 Look on my affliction and my pain,
And forgive all my sins.
19 Consider my enemies, for they are many;
And they hate me with cruel hatred.
20 Keep my soul, and deliver me;
Let me not be ashamed, for I put my trust in You.
21 Let integrity and uprightness preserve me; for I wait on thee.
Psalm 25 NKJV
The Power of Redemption by Grace—David Stumbles
In his zealous fervor to honor God, King David forgot the importance of doing things God’s way. We see this when he determined to bring the ark home to Israel.
David gathered all the choice men of Israel, thirty thousand. 2 And David arose and went with all the people who were with him from Baale Judah to bring up from there the ark of God, whose name is called by the Name, the Lord of Hosts, who dwells between the cherubim. 3 So they set the ark of God on a new cart, and brought it out of the house of Abinadab, which was on the hill; and Uzzah and Ahio, the sons of Abinadab, drove the new cart. 2 Samuel 6 (NKJV)
So, what is the problem here? With immense joy, dancing, and celebration, they were bringing the Ark of God home? Yes, but in the book of Numbers it was clear only the Levitical descendants of Kohath could move the Ark. (Numbers 3:29-31) Furthermore, it was never to be placed on a cart (Numbers 4:15). No one was to touch the ARK. It was to be carried on their shoulders with special rods that passed through the rings in the corners so as never to touch the ark.
So, a little disobedience with such fervor, what could go wrong?
They were doing the right thing, just the wrong way. But that can be fatal.
6 And when they came to Nachon’s threshing floor, Uzzah put out his hand to the ark of God and took hold of it, for the oxen stumbled. 7 Then the anger of the Lord was aroused against Uzzah, and God struck him there for his error; and he died there by the ark of God. 8 And David became angry because of the Lord’s outbreak against Uzzah; and he called the name of the place Perez Uzzah to this day. 2 Samuel 6 (NKJV)
So, who was really to blame? David. He thought his zealous worship was enough. So, he who was responsible to know and uphold the law, did not! God’s anointed was charged with reading the Law Day and night. He was responsible for doing all it said. Yet he failed and a man was dead because of it. Sin brings death.
The Power of Redemption by Grace: The Ark Restored the Right Way
9 David was afraid of the Lord that day; and he said, “How can the ark of the Lord come to me?” 10 So David would not move the ark of the Lord with him into the City of David; but David took it aside into the house of Obed-Edom the Gittite. 11 The ark of the Lord remained in the house of Obed-Edom the Gittite three months. And the Lord blessed Obed-Edom and all his household.
12 Now it was told King David, saying, “The Lord has blessed the house of Obed-Edom and all that belongs to him, because of the ark of God.” So, David went and brought up the ark of God from the house of Obed-Edom to the City of David with gladness. 13 And so it was, when those bearing the ark of the Lord had gone six paces, that he sacrificed oxen and fatted sheep. 14 Then David danced before the Lord with all his might; and David was wearing a linen ephod. 15 So David and all the house of Israel brought up the ark of the Lord with shouting and with the sound of the trumpet.
Notice, those bearing the ark are now the right people and the right way. Furthermore, David sacrificed oxen and fatted sheep. The power of redemption was in the blood to forgive their sins. A picture of Jesus Christ to one day come as the final sacrificial lamb.
The Power of Redemption by Grace: Peter
It was in the darkness of night. No one really knew the how or why of it all. A mockery of a trial that broke every rule of justice. Little to no sleep. Yet, Jesus had told them, this was coming. He had rebuked Peter when he said, “it cannot be.” And had even called him, Satan to suggest it. Still, who would have thought, the Jewish priests would carry on such an injustice, breaking every rule of their own court. Peter had even been told of his impending failure, yet he did not believe. In fact, he believed he would fight to the death to protect His Lord. Now as the scene played out and Jesus was facing the trials of the Jewish leaders, Peter denied his Lord three times. Broken, He fled the scene. But He would soon know the humbling effects of forgiveness, grace, and love.
How dark must those hours have been for Peter. He could not forgive himself. Not after all this. It was cold and dark. The world was completely upside down. He followed Jesus to the courtyard; but seemed hours there alone in the cold. Surrounded only by the riffraff. He wanted to warm his heart and soul by the fires. Jesus inside before the elder priest and then taken through the courtyards to the house of Caiaphas. What was happening? He waited, wondering, remembering. He had tried to save Jesus with his sword in the Garden and Jesus told him, no? In fact, Jesus restored the ear of the guard. So, what was happening? Was it all over? Could this be the end? Then, Peter did the one thing he thought himself was the unforgivable offense. He denied His Lord.
An Unforgiveable Offense in Peter’s Mind-
Have you ever felt like you failed God? Failed to follow His commands or found yourself falling into the same pit of temptation, repeatedly? I have. Peter did. David did. Then it is with a broken and contrite heart, one looks upon Him again. Peter did not come to the foot of the cross as Jesus died. Did he feel unworthy? Perhaps.
When Jesus had turned to look at him, Peter felt the eyes of Jesus penetrate his heart and soul. All too often through my life I have also felt the sting—Jesus eyes penetrating my heart, condemning. Yet, because of Jesus’s sacrifice on the cross,
Peter so excited that Jesus was resurrected, still did not understand his role going forward. He had failed God, so how could he be useful for anything. He returned to fishing. It was all he knew and what he was good at. He could not continue to fail his Savior there. But Jesus had a different plan.
Back at the beginning, Jesus had met Peter at the shores of the lake. Again, this night, there were no fish. So even as a fisherman, he felt his ineptitude. He was naked in that boat when he looked across the sea to see Jesus on the shore. Quickly, he wrapped his naked body with a robe and began to swim across the sea. Must like us, we want to cover up the nakedness of our sinful hearts when we come to the Savior. But He see us and knows who we are.
Jesus walked with Peter that day and with a simple question revealed the depths of His heart and that of Peter.
The Power of Redemption in A Burning Question from Jesus:
Peter, do you love me with an agape “God-like love?” Oh, Lord, I love you with a Philleo (friendship love). Then again, the same question. Third time, Jesus asked, do you love me, Simon Peter; yet this time he says it using Philleo as the word for love. Peter said Lord you know my heart. Now Peter understood the Humbling Effects of Forgiveness, Grace, and Love. Now he was ready for the ministry to which he was called.
Peter then was ready to begin the ministry as God had called Him to. He was later willing to die for Christ. Although, he insisted on being crucified upside down due to his being unworthy to die in the manner that Jesus died.
The Power of Redemption in the Words of Peter
3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His abundant mercy has begotten us again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, 4 to an inheritance incorruptible and undefiled and that does not fade away, reserved in heaven for you, 5 who are kept by the power of God through faith for salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.
6 In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while, if need be, you have been grieved by various trials, 7 that the genuineness of your faith, being much more precious than gold that perishes, though it is tested by fire, may be found to praise, honor, and glory at the revelation of Jesus Christ, 8 whom having not seen you love. Though now you do not see Him, yet believing, you rejoice with joy inexpressible and full of glory, 9 receiving the end of your faith—the salvation of your souls. I Peter 1 (NKJV)
The Power of Redemption by Grace: The Apostle Paul
Somehow, I always believed, that once saved, Paul was an example of unwavering faith and steadfast obedience. There was always some question lingering in the back of my head about his taking the vow of the Nazarene and rushing to Jerusalem to be ritually cleansed. Never did I want to believe Paul, the great apostle of grace, could have ever failed to obey God perfectly. But there it is. God had told Paul from the beginning he would be the apostle to the Gentiles. He had no ministry amongst the Jews. These were God’s words. Yet, despite multiple warnings of what was to come, he went in haste to Jerusalem. I never thought about it. But there it is in Acts 21 (NKJV)
1Now it came to pass, that when we had departed from them and set sail, running a straight course we came to Cos, the following day to Rhodes, and from there to Patara. 2 And finding a ship sailing over to Phoenicia, we went aboard and set sail. 3 When we had sighted Cyprus, we passed it on the left, sailed to Syria, and landed at Tyre; for there, the ship was to unload her cargo.
Notice how many cities they passed through and did not stop to preach or start a church. Paul was hurrying to get to Jerusalem to perform this ritual of sanctification, despite his having taught that salvation is by grace not works. This despite his rebuking Peter for performing Jewish rituals to keep favor with the Jews.
4 And finding disciples, we stayed there seven days. They told Paul through the Spirit not to go up to Jerusalem. 5 When we had come to the end of those days, we departed and went on our way; and they all accompanied us, with wives and children, till we were out of the city. And we knelt down on the shore and prayed. 6 When we had taken our leave of one another, we boarded the ship, and they returned home.
Note that those warning Paul had warned him in the Spirit (capital S).
7 And when we had finished our voyage from Tyre, we came to Ptolemais, greeted the brethren, and stayed with them one day. 8 On the next day we who were Paul’s companions departed and came to Caesarea, and entered the house of Philip the evangelist, who was one of the seven, and stayed with him. 9 Now this man had four virgin daughters who prophesied. 10 And as we stayed many days, a certain prophet named Agabus came down from Judea. 11 When he had come to us, he took Paul’s belt, bound his own hands and feet, and said, “Thus says the Holy Spirit, ‘So shall the Jews at Jerusalem bind the man who owns this belt, and deliver him into the hands of the Gentiles.’”
12 Now when we heard these things, both we and those from that place pleaded with him not to go up to Jerusalem. 13 Then Paul answered, “What do you mean by weeping and breaking my heart? For I am ready not only to be bound, but also to die at Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus.”
14 So when he would not be persuaded, we ceased, saying, “The will of the Lord be done.”
Paul Imprisoned and the Power of Redemption by Grace
Paul with great zealous fervor went to Jerusalem. He did not heed the warnings of the Holy Spirit. Never again was he going to plant a new church or at least we are not told if he did. While in Jerusalem and later in prison, he was beaten, abandoned at times, and suffered greatly. However, there he was humbled. With any semblance of pride gone, Paul remembered it was grace alone that saved him. He had hours alone with God where he found the power of redemption surging through himself. Professing the gospel of Christ to the Roman guards, he was the catalyst of a new revolution of believers in Rome. Furthermore, he wrote at least 5 of his letters from prison (Ephesians, Colossians, Philippians, Philemon, II Timothy and 2 are thought to be in between imprisonments (I Timothy and Titus).
God never casts aside any of His sheep. He is the Good Shepherd who gave His life for His sheep. Not one will ever lose.
10 For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand so that we would walk in them. Ephesians 2 (NASB)
The Power of Redemption by Grace Joseph’s Brothers and Jesus
Well, hoping everyone remembers the story of Joseph and how his brothers sold him into slavery after first considering his murder. As far as they were concerned, they considered him the same as dead. In their hearts it still was murder. Yet, the power of redemption was that God used Joseph to redeem and save his murderous brothers. Fast forward then to Calvary.
God sent His only son to live the life we cannot live and die the death that we deserved. There Jesus was taken, beaten beyond recognition, spit upon, hairs of his beard plucked, mocked, and placed on a cross—nails driven through his hands and feet. The all-powerful Son of God willingly took our place so we might be redeemed. The power of redemption by grace is that we are given life abundantly because He gave His life for us. That degree of grace should make us humble before Him and the world in which we live.
The Power of Redemption by Grace—Mom and Me
I do not understand how it is that so often we humans want to compare ourselves with others. We want to believe that we are better. Even in humilty, we want to compare ours with others which is not humility at all. There is that desperate need to be wanted, loved, or even admired. My mother suffered from a severe bipolar disorder with some psychotic features.
Yet, it was she who taught me about gospel. Every week on the radio was Dr. M. R. Dehaan and Theodore H. Epp. It was one Sunday morning that I came to accept Christ while Dr. Dehaan was preaching. I remember it so clearly. Over the years I failed many times. It was God’s grace that would bring me back. Yet, as I grew in Christ, there seemed those bursts of pride followed by crashing failures. Mom on the other hand felt so broken by her illness, that it seemed God would protect her from herself regarding sin. Her humility kept her closer to Him.
How foolishly, I wanted to believe I was the stronger Christian. What was that but pride! Finally, after many years and lots of lessons I wrote this poem for her. I hope you enjoy it this Mother’s Day.
I Was A Child, Back Then
I Was a Child, Back Then
I was a child, back then
And did not, could not understand
The pains she faced, the fears within
Her road of life throughout this land
But as I grew, I came to see
The sacrifices that she made
Because the love she had for me
No matter what it did not fade
Whatever road our feet did trod
Her courage, faith deep within
Did hold her heart so close to God
Protecting her from sin
The more I learned of God’s dear Grace
Throughout the years, I came to see
The trials, sorrows that we face
Transform our hearts that we might be
A shining beacon on a hill
To light the path in darkest night
That strangers then might find God’s will
The blinded might gain sight
Yet, each of us, God calls to be
A different beam of Glory’s light
And this in part the mystery
Of how God works, that He just might
Give one the gift to speak His word
Another sings His praise
While some it seems their voice unheard
Except by God. In prayer their voices raise
Each child who knows Christ as their Lord
God uses in His own sweet way
To each He gives a different sword
His Glory Honor to display
And so, I came to realize
The chains of pride that bound my heart
Were merely part of Satan’s guise
Sow bitter seeds, and then depart
I lay my “self” upon the cross
The cross where Jesus bled and died
That He might live, all else is loss
My pride He’s crucified
As I look back, I now can see
That it was Mom, God used to be
A beacon of humility
His beam of Grace to shine toward me
I did not, could not understand
The pains she faced, the fears within
Her road of life throughout this land
Because I was a child, back then
Effie Barba
Love never fails. But whether there are prophecies, they will fail; whether there are tongues, they will cease; whether there is knowledge, it will vanish away. For we know in part, and we prophesy in part. But when that which is perfect has come, then that which is in part will be done away. When I was a child, I spoke as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child; but when I became a man, I put away childish things. For now, we see in a mirror, dimly, but then face to face. Now I know in part, but then I shall know just as I also am known. And now abide faith, hope, love, these three; but the greatest of these is love. I Corinthians 13:8-13 (NKJV)
Let each of us never forget the Power of Redemption by Grace. And let us never forget the price Christ paid for our rebellious heart. Oh, that I ever see my sins, how costly they have been, so I remember not to go there again.
DO YOU KNOW CHRIST AS YOUR SAVIOR AND LORD? He is our only Hope in Life and Death! Our Joy is found in Him.
Therefore if you don’t know Jesus Christ as your Savior and Lord: I urge you today. Go to my page titled How to Be Saved by
clicking on this link. There is nothing more important than this;
because He is the way, the truth and the life. Therefore, I urge you to
seek Him today.
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©Effie Darlene Barba, 2024
Disclosure of Material Connection: I have not received any compensation for writing this post. Furthermore, I have no material connection to the brands, products, or services that I have mentioned except for my own books. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.
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