By now you all know that I love words. What writer doesn’t? But I am intrigued by the way simple words tell a story.
You can image how excited I was this morning when my heart began coupling words with the prefix “re”. I’ll have you look at a few of those words with me.
Rejected.
“He was hated and rejected; his life was filled with sorrow and terrible suffering. No one wanted to look at him. We despised him and said, ‘He is a nobody.’ 4 He suffered and endured great pain for us, but we thought his suffering was punishment from God. 5 He was wounded and crushed because of our sins; by taking our punishment, he made us completely well.” Isaiah 53:3-5 CEV
Redeemed.
“ Christ has redeemed us from the curse of the law, having become a curse for us (for it is written, “Cursed is everyone who hangs on a tree”), ” Galatians 3:13 NKJV
He was rejected so we could be redeemed!
Repent. Receive.
“ Peter replied, “Each of you must repent of your sins and turn to God, and be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. Then you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. 39 This promise is to you, to your children, and to those far away —all who have been called by the Lord our God.” Acts 2:38-39 NLT
When we repent we receive forgiveness and the gift of the Holy Spirit who gives instruction and comfort.
Rescue. Reward.
“The Lord says, “I will rescue those who love me. I will protect those who trust in my name.
15 When they call on me, I will answer; I will be with them in trouble. I will rescue and honor them. 16 I will reward them with a long life and give them my salvation.” Psalm 9:14-16 NLT
The Lord promises to be our rescuer, our protector, and the One who rewards us with long life and salvation.
Now for one more “re”. Rejoice.
“Always be full of joy in the Lord. I say it again—rejoice!” Philippians 4:4 NLT
Rejoice in that fact that He was rejected so we could be redeemed. Rejoice that when we repented of our sins, we received the Holy Spirit. Rejoice that the Lord rescues us and rewards us with life.