Redeemed

This morning, I have been pondering about the word "redeemed" and how it relates to me as a follower of Christ. I discovered that the word has a few different meanings. One of the most common meanings is to "buy back something that was lost or sold". Another meaning I found is to take something that is bad and change it completely until it is new or acceptable. I like that definition. We have not only been bought back but we have been changed, renewed, and made acceptable. We have not been purchased back and left as we were. No we have been changed, renewed and made acceptable to God. We are no longer a sinner in need of salvation. No! We are "Sons and Daughters". I can't help but remember the old hymn by Fanny Crosby. It said, "Redeemed how I love to proclaim it...His child and forever I am. Did you catch that? "His child and forever I am!" His child, not a step child, not a half sister or brother, but His child. It has always grated on my spirit when I would hear people introduced as a "step" brother or a "step" sister. You are either a sister or you are not. You are either a brother or you are not. The word "step" added to a person's identity devalues them and makes them less than they are. I have an adopted daughter and she is not nor will she ever be, my "step" daughter, neither am I a "step mother". I am her MOTHER and she is my DAUGHTER. She is my son's SISTER. She has been adopted, redeemed into my family. She has been changed from orphan to daughter, from lost to found, from alone to a part of a family who loves her. This is who we are. We will never be a "step" brother to Jesus...NO! We are, and forever will be, changed into acceptable sons and daughters of the MOST HIGH GOD! This is REDEEMED! REDEEMED By Fanny Crosby Redeemed, how I love to proclaim it! Redeemed by the blood of the Lamb; Redeemed through His infinite mercy, His child and forever I am. Refrain Redeemed, redeemed, Redeemed by the blood of the Lamb; Redeemed, redeemed, His child and forever I am. Redeemed, and so happy in Jesus, No language my rapture can tell; I know that the light of His presence With me doth continually dwell. Refrain I think of my blessèd Redeemer, I think of Him all the day long: I sing, for I cannot be silent; His love is the theme of my song. Refrain I know there’s a crown that is waiting, In yonder bright mansion for me, And soon, with the spirits made perfect, At home with the Lord I shall be.