The situation looked hopeless for Amy and Alan’s infant daughter Jem. Born with a condition called trisomy-18, she was expected to die within days or weeks. “There’s no point in treating her,” the doctor said coldly. But her mother said, “I have bigger dreams for her.” They took Jem home and loved her. And they prayed.
Six years later, Jem needed surgery to remove a large tumor that had been found. Then—the same doctor walked in. “I know what you’re thinking,” he said, “but I’m asking you for a second chance.” He admitted he’d been wrong about Jem. “I’d like a chance at redemption,” he said. Amy and Alan might have said no. But they understood the power of God’s forgiveness.
The Old Testament prophets often carried a message of God’s judgment. But woven throughout that message is the irrepressible theme of God’s love, forgiveness, and redemption. Isaiah pointed out Judah’s sins (44:6-20) but suddenly shifted focus. Speaking God’s words, he said, “Return to me, for I have redeemed you” (v. 22). God’s character wouldn’t permit Him to abandon His people. “I have made you,” He said, “I will not forget you” (v. 21). The conclusion: “Sing for joy, you heavens, for the Lord has done this; . . . the Lord has redeemed Jacob” (v. 23).
Jem’s surgery found no tumor. “A miracle!” said the doctor. The power of prayer. The power of our redeeming God.
What “hopeless” cases do you know of? How have you seen God’s redemption at work in your life?
Heavenly Father, thank You for being the God who asks me to return to You.
Isaiah 44 contrasts false gods with the one true God. In verses 9-20, God indicts those who make idols. He speaks of the “blacksmith” (v. 12) and the “carpenter” who craft images that “dwell in a shrine” (v. 13). God says, “Half of the wood he burns in the fire. . . . From the rest he makes a god, his idol” (vv. 16-17). God had a much different message for His people: “Remember these things, Jacob, for you, Israel, are my servant. I have made you . . . ; I will not forget you” (v. 21). We aren’t to make a representation of God; He has made us. The writer to the Hebrews observes, “Christ did not enter a sanctuary made with human hands . . . ; he entered heaven itself, now to appear for us in God’s presence” (9:24). Our high priest is Christ Himself. His Spirit resides within us (1 Corinthians 3:16). No shrine we make could ever contain Him—our redeeming God.
