Is it Possible for California to be Redeemed?
Redeem California: what does that even mean? Is it possible? Why should we care what happens to the liberal State of California?
When we hear the word "redeem," most of us think of turning in coupons to get a price break or redeeming gift cards we received. Redeem is also used as a form of restoration. So, when I say redeem California, I am talking about restoring California back to the magnificent splendor it once was, but that will only be possible by changing the hearts and lives of the 39 million citizens that live here.
We're all aware of the corrupt and wicked leadership at the state level, and sadly, many Christians and churches shy away from all conversations where politics is concerned.
I did as well, once upon a time. Being a business owner and very active in my community, I never wanted to appear as if I was judging or creating division. After all, these conversations are challenging as even Christians are divided on many of the issues we face as a nation.
Nevertheless, something needs to change, or we will not only lose our freedoms and the rule of law as it once was, but we will also lose our children and grandchildren to a system that is immoral, lawless, and Godless.
The only hope we have for the future of California and for all the families who live here, mine included, is to turn to the one who is the embodiment of redemption. Jesus. As cliché as it sounds, I have found that clichés exist for a reason; they are often true, and they often work.
Change has to begin with us, as individuals, as believers. If we don't care, who will care?
Who will believe if we don't put our faith into action to see God's power change things for the good?
Redeeming people is central to the work Jesus did on the cross. Redemption is about God's love for his creation. We are made in his image, and once upon a time, he gave us dominion over everything on this earth. Although the fall of Adam stole our dominion, we gained it back when we were reconciled to him through Calvary. He loves humanity, and he hates it when we live in bondage, either through our own making or by someone else's design. Love has always been the driving force for redemption, so I know California will be redeemed.
What Does Real Redemption Look Like?
The Bible paints a clear picture of what it means to redeem things.
• God redeemed Israel from slavery and bondage in Egypt by destroying the Egyptian gods, punishing the slavers, and leading His people out through miracles
• He required redemption as a vital part of the social structure of Israel, His hand-picked nation on earth
• Prophets and the history books show God continually judging Israel's sins and then redeeming them from their oppressors over and over again
• Jesus' arrival and death are the ultimate act of redemption—a sinless man taking the sins of the world (past, present, and future) on himself so we could be free from the ultimate slave master: sin
One of the Bible's most powerful stories of redemption—in all of history- is found in the book of Hosea. The prophet is asked to go out and marry a prostitute, mirroring God's love for his people who had gone after other gods. Hosea obeys, and over the next few years, they have children; she returns to a life of prostitution, and then Hosea has to go out and repurchase her from slavery. Imagine having to buy your loved one back from slavery! The book is the quintessential picture of God's unfailing, unfaltering, unwavering love for His people, and I believe we can apply it to California. No matter how far the State and its people have wandered, he will return the State to the right relationship with Him. Maybe not everyone, but change can occur with just a remnant.
Miraculous and Biblical
California, as a whole, is lost. The homeless population, the drug addiction, the gang problems, the suicide rate, and our prisons are just examples of the depravity that exists here. Those of us who attend church or have our own walk with God go for weeks at a time without telling others about Jesus. We don't engage others in conversations with people if they are different than us because we are all busy with the cares of this life.
However, time is short, and if we do not do something, millions of people will die without Jesus and spend eternity in hell. I know that is a dramatic thing to say, but it's true and sad, but it doesn't have to end there.
As Christians filled with God's spirit, we have the most incredible power to create change. Go back and read why the Egyptians put Israel in bondage: it was because they were afraid of them. Why do you think the government is calling Christian Nationalists a terrorist organization? Certainly not because we are terrorists, but because they are so scared of the power we hold, especially when unified under one cause.
Imagine if revival broke out in just 10 major metropolitan cities in California and people from all walks of life began to give their lives to Jesus? It would change everything. It would be a fire that could not be quenched. Jesus has been doing this for generations, and each generation has changed the next. Now more than ever, we must step out of our comfort zone and catch a burden for the lost. Jesus has never changed; we have.
I know He is working to Redeem California, whether we see it or not. The 12 million Christians living in California could change everything if we cared enough to do something.
We need to remember our history. It shows us two things that apply to our current situation:
God hears the cry of His people
God doesn't ignore them forever.
When He comes to redeem us, and He will do just that, it will be miraculous and Biblical.
Redemption is coming. Don't despair. Be ready. When He moves, He will do it through those who have sought Him and are prepared to be His hands and feet.
"And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him" (Hebrews 11:6 NIV).
