How does a Redeemer from sins provide the answer?

We have seen in the past couple of articles about the history between the testaments that lead the people to cry out for a Deliverer - a Messiah to deliver from oppression. Corrupt politics, corrupt religious officials and everyday life that was a mainstream of struggle and hardship. Society around was succombing to the Hellenism of the day that though increasing knowledge, also degraded the morality of society. The fact that the Emperor was now referring to himself as a "god" didn't help matters, especially for those who sought to truly follow God. 

"Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy which will be to all the people. For to you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord."

Lk.2:10,11Lk.2:10,11

It goes without saying that the timing of Jesus' birth itself was miraculous, God sending His own Son into the world and society to Deliver in a way that man had not seen before. Deliverance of sins! But, how did this answer - does this answer the need for a deliverer from the pit of life?  How does a Redeemer from sins provide the answer for corruption, financial hardship, disaster, debauchery and the myriad of other problems that even the world today faces?  The answer? It doesn't...not then and not now. Those who seek such a Messiah, had and continue to misread the Bible and do not know God. 

God had done this in the past. When in bondage in Egypt, the people called out for a Deliverer. God sent them Moses, who led them out of physical bondage to bring them to a promised land where they could be God's people and He would be their God. Yet, how was God thanked for such Deliverance? Murmurs, complaints, demands!  God fed them - they were not content with the food He provided. God clothed them, protected them - they were not satisfied and thought life in bondage was better than life with God.  What makes us think it is any different for us? God is not the problem - we are!

The sending of one to deliver us from our sins, may not redeem us from our circumstances, but it gives us what we need to overcome them.  When you change man's heart, man changes.  It provides us with the one thing that mere removal of circumstances cannot - it provides hope, that cannot be taken away.  James wrote "My brethren, if anyone among you wanders from the truth and someone brings him back, let him know that whoever turns a sinner from the error of his way will save his soul from death and will cover a multitude of sins. (Jas.5:19,20)." Not only do we help to save a soul, but when the turn of the heart is genuine, then indeed the deliverance gets one above the circumstances now and in the future. It provides the building block on which the future can be changed, regardless whether the world changes or not.  Jesus said, "For everyone who asks receives, and the one who seeks finds, and to the one who knocks it will be opened.(Mt.7:8)." And again, "For the gate is narrow and the way is hard, that leads to life, and few are those who find it. (Mt.7:14)."

God is not going to take you away from or out of drug abuse. He is not going to keep your house from being foreclosed, or your health marriage from failing.  But He will give you freely everything that He has in His Son (Jn.3:16). For those who seek God - that is more than enough - and it will change you.  It is everything. He who wants to hear - let him understand what God's Spirit speaks to you in this matter.

Jim