The Bible speaks of redemption in many ways.
This short study looks at four greek words, revealing the redemption provided by the Lord Jesus Christ. A short story has been supplied, in order to help us picture the word studies of redemption.
The four greek words are
- Agorazo
- Exagorazo
- Lytroo
- Peripoiesis
Each of these words will be addressed in the following posts, along with a story of Amicus, a slave in the first century, with no hope of a future. We will follow Amicus through his experience of redemption and see in his life, the life we have experienced.
Amicus – Part 4
Amicus was stunned. Out of habit he started to follow the One who redeemed him, but this seemed to be unacceptable to the One who redeemed Him. Although at times, the One strode quickly ahead of Amicus, it seemed the One preferred to walk beside Amicus silently, offering occasional gentle questions. It seemed the One wanted to know Amicus, and to be known by Amicus.
Upon His first question, Amicus cowered. It was a natural reaction for Amicus, but this Master sought to dialogue with him. Why would anyone want to know what he thought? No one had ever asked of his thoughts before, let lone consider his thoughts. It took time to allow his thoughts to surface, somewhat surprised by the process of communicating simple ideas to the One.
Travelling the path to the One’s home took time, and the One was in no hurry. Occassionaly He would stop for a day or two, rest and and allow Amicus to absorb his new condition. A new condition that Amicus had much difficulty truly comprehending. Eventually the One and Amicus arrived at His outpost, and Amicus had never seen anything to be compared to. Servants everywhere, and Amicus fell into the role he was comfortable in.
Still, this new Master was completely different than Mahlah, or for that matter, any Master he had ever heard of. It seemed the One sought Amicus’ good, and not simply His own benefit. After all, this Master had unfathomable riches. His home was glorious and He had many in his service. Amicus knew his status, and with a thankful heart and a ready mind, He sought to serve his new Master in every way possible.
But this wasn’t acceptable to the One who redeemed him. Late one afternoon, the One came to Amicus during his serving, took him by the hand and led him into His own residence. Amicus, full of disbelief, thinking he may become a house servant, sought to know what service he might supply to the One.
“No service at this time Amicus, other than simply being with Me. You see, I have multitudes of servants. Servants I do not need. You are my family, and we will work together to accomplish things that my servants have no business with.”
Amicus couldn’t believe his ears. No – he wouldn’t believe his ears! This cannot be true. He ran from the One, back to the familiar, the common, the ordinary, the life of service. The One would occasionally cast his eyes toward Amicus, offering relationship instead of simply servitude, but Amicus fought against it. Too much at stake! How could he risk the bounty of servanthood he experienced at the Master’s outpost and assume to sonship? It is too much.
Years passed, and Amicus revelled in his new life. Service to the Master was beyond anything he had ever considered. Looking back, he had forgotten of Mahlah, and of the fears, hunger and loneliness he experienced. Only one thing nagged on Amicus, as he rested on his bed.
That offer. The eyes. The talks on the way from the auction block. The idea of being, not simply serving. Of creating and not simply building. Of thinking and not simply responding.
The day came when the One was walking through His garden, and Amicus swallowed his pride, walked over to the One who cared, and looked Him in the eye. Nothing changed, but everything changed.
Amicus began to possess, instead of simply serving. To partake instead of simply taking. To share instead of simply giving.
Peripoisis
1 Thessalonians 5:9
For God has not destined us for wrath, but to obtain salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ,
2 Thessalonians 2:14
To this he called you through our gospel, so that you may obtain the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Hebrews 10:39
But we are not of those who shrink back and are destroyed, but of those who have faith and preserve their souls.
Like Amicus, we struggle with the offer of sonship. The implications are amazing. This last word we will consider before the end of this series is translated as obtain or preserve in the verses above. Note, it is important to see that the one who possesses the salvation and glory is the believer.
Believers possess/obtain salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ. Believers possess/obtain the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ. And the final verse to consider…
Hebrews 10:29 may be read
But we are not of those who shrink back and are destroyed, but of those who have faith and keep their souls (RSV)
Believers possess thier souls.
This is a concept that is beyond me. I freely admit it. To possess when redeemed by another?
How does that compute? The One is full of grace and truth. Look Him in the eye. It may be the scariest thing you ever do.
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