Waist Deep 2018 - January 12


Exodus 6: 6 “And I will redeem you with an outstretched arm and with mighty acts of judgment.” (NIV)


To know the God of Moses is to know a power who knows no bounds.*


In this verse we see two contrasting aspects of God’s nature: his love and his power. If I were an artist, my rendering of these words would show God reaching out with one arm to embrace me while sword-fighting the enemy with the other. His love and his power, along with my weakness, clearly illustrated!

Our understanding of scripture can often be enhanced by learning the nuances of the words in the original language - which in the Old Testament is Hebrew. According to scholars (I do not read, write or speak Hebrew!), the Hebrew word translated “redeem” is the same one used in reference to acquiring family rights or property that are in danger of being claimed by someone other than a family member. In other words, because God loves us, he is going to use his power to fight for our inheritance.

God’s power stands in contrast to ours – or our lack thereof. In our own power, we are helpless to achieve redemption. We need the intervention of a third party to help us claim our birthright. With God as our mighty advocate and champion, our enemies don’t stand a chance!


God’s power is beyond description and his timing is perfect.*


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