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How many have ever licked those S&H green stamps*? In this germ awareness world, we diligently try to protect our families from illness by sanitizing our environment. Back in the fifties and sixties in our green stamp era we rarely thought of the little germs on our tongues or someone else who had just licked stamps to go into the little redemption book. And the glue had a distinct taste, you might say, “green stamp glue taste” if I close my eyes and think back I can still taste it. After licking many stamps to take to the redemption center the taste would stay in your mouth for hours. As a new bride, I was always eager to redeem some for some household item to brighten my house. I remember one item I “bought” or redeemed. It was a set of six glasses turquois on the bottom and white on the top as was the slender pitcher that came with it and spoke “elegance” and they all were sitting on a shelf in my kitchen. They were so delicate and pretty I admired them each time I passed by them sitting on their special shelf exuding the love and grace the Redeemer had given. We, as the beautiful pitcher, was redeemed, but not with green stamps but with the very blood of our Savior. So, as I recite one of my favorite verses, I am very aware through the Holy Spirit that I am the redeemed.
"Let the redeemed of the Lord, say so whom he has redeemed from trouble." (Psalm 107:2 ESV). I also love the versions that say it another way, "Let the redeemed of the Lord, tell their story." (Psalm 107:2 NIV) another was the NLT that said, "Has the Lord redeemed you? Then speak out!"
This not only speaks to the unredeemed but to the redeemed which is all that has been saved or believes that Jesus, Son of God, has come to redeem or take back His children. When Jesus asked Peter “Who do you say I am?” Peter answered, “You are the Messiah.”
I am the Redeemed, so I must say so. I am the Redeemed so I must tell my story! I am redeemed so I must speak out!
Since I am one of the redeemed I must relay the gospel to everyone I can.
Thank you, Lord, for letting me be a part of your great plan, that all shall be redeemed.
How then will they call on him in whom they have not believed? And how are they to believe in him of they have never heard? And how are they to hear without someone preaching? And how are they to preach unless they are sent? As it is written, How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the good news!
REDEEMED!
Jeanie Nihiser
Volunteer and Prayer Warrior with Answers2Prayer Ministries
"But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint." (Isaiah 40:31 NIV)
*Editor's Note: For those of you who were not alive in the 50s and 60s, you collected S & H Green stamps much like we collect redeemable points in our day and age, and you could redeem them for a variety of items.
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