The Redemption Center
On a recent trip we came across a road sign stating “REDEMPTION CENTER” with an arrow pointing down a side road. This was followed with a similar sign stating “REFUSE”. It took a moment for me to think about the differences between the signs. Each sign had its own distinctive meaning. Redemption means to deliver, to rescue, emancipate or recover something. To redeem means to trade in or exchange something for something better; we redeem our junk for cash or currency. Refuse is just the rubbish or garbage that is not redeemable; we’re just glad to get rid of it.
What types of things are taken to a redemption center? We bring items that could be reused for manufacturing new parts or equipment like old glass bottles, aluminum cans, copper wiring, and scraps of metal. This is not refuse that just gets buried in the ground and left to deteriorate. The things we take to the redemption center are considered valuable enough for someone to pay for even though they are junk to us and seemingly have no practical usefulness.
What struck me about the “REDEMPTION CENTER” sign, is that here at NWBCC we facilitate the same thing, only spiritually. Our Lord Jesus is the one who redeems us from ourselves, our past, and our sins. As we “hand over” the junk, He is able to take it and make it into something valuable. We often don’t realize what our Lord wants to do with the “stuff”, because we see it as broken or used up and just refuse in our lives. Our Lord sees something much more valuable. He is willing to pay much more than silver or gold to redeem us. 1 Peter 1:18 …knowing that you were not redeemed with perishable things like silver or gold … but with precious blood, as of a lamb unblemished and spotless, the blood of Christ. Our God sees each of us as valuable, no matter how we see ourselves. He knows our failures and faults but chooses to focus on the areas of value in us. Through His redemption, we find freedom from our past issues, sins and failures.
Visiting the redemption center is not always pleasant. When you drop off “the junk”, it is not a sparkling, shiny, clean environment. The facility may smell bad, be dirty and not be very pretty. Likewise when we come to the Lord to let go of our personal garbage, it isn’t pretty either. Some of the areas we must release can have deep roots in sin, pride, and bitterness. These violate God’s laws. When we release them God can redeem them, and we gain freedom and peace inside. Titus 2:14 who gave Himself for us to redeem us from every lawless deed, and to purify for Himself a people for His own possession, zealous for good deeds. God wants us pure and totally His, as His own possession. He sees us as redeemable not as refuse. It takes courage and time to let go of the garbage.
Eph 5:15-17 Therefore be careful how you walk, not as unwise men but as wise, redeeming the time, because the days are evil. So then do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is.
He is willing to do His part for us! Are we willing to put forth the effort, knowing God’s will to do our part?