I get this Google Alert news feed, telling me about articles that are posted with the term “redemption” as a part of the title or description. I get hundreds of them a week, because the term redemption is quite often overused, and the meaning is less well understood. But occasionally the articles are good, although maybe not describing the Christian form of redemption, but still describing the process of recovering from selfish actions which have had a devastating effect and can shipwreck a life. The comeback stories are to me thrilling, because I think we all as humans have this built-in desire to see people overcome great odds. I think this in itself is the imprint of the divine desire in each of us to achieve something greater, not always realizing that, as Paul the Apostle wrote, this desire comes from the Holy Spirit. Paul tell the believers that the mystery of the gospel is revealed in this (are you ready?) – Christ in you, the hope of glory! (Col. 1:27). I get goose bumps when I think about it: I can be better, I can stop sinning, I can not just seek my own end, I can know Truth (with a capital T), I can overcome this terminal existance – through Christ’s redemptive work.

Here is a link to a news story reporting on an incident of a similar nature as may occur with some very prominent current NCAA coaches. It is one coach’s story of coming back from violating NCAA rules, and its impact in his life. Read the story here – http://www.cbssports.com/collegefootball/story/15220104/tressel-pearl-unlikely-to-gain-bozemanlike-redemption. Many people in this same situation respond with remorse. Be blessed, my friend, to cry over your short-sighted sinful state. Christ’s redemption will comfort you (Matthew 5:4). You can be better, you will overcome this conflict – by the blood of the Lamb, and the word of your testimony! (Revelation 12:11).