Redeemed

What does it mean to be redeemed? That's the question behind the new devotional written by members of the Christian band Big Daddy Weave. It's a 30-day devotional that springs from their hit song of the same name. The song, the lead singer writes, came from a very difficult time in his life, so it's not surprising that it has had great power in many people's lives. What comes out of times in the wilderness shapes us more than we know.

When I read the introduction, I was somewhat excited to see what would be shared in that context. Unfortunately, the thirty devotions consist of rather surface-level thoughts. There is nothing wrong with what is written; it's all quite true, good theology and on the mark. Perhaps my struggle with the book has to do with my own expectations. I was looking for more stories rather than just theology. I wanted to hear how the authors had experienced the truth they are writing about, how the theology links to life. I wanted both truth and experience.

What we have in this book is a pattern I've seen from this publisher before, so I should have known what to expect. There is a one-page lesson, a page of Biblical verses, then a page of quotes from other Christian writers and speakers, and finally a last thought and prayer. (Don't be quick to quote the writers and speakers, though, as the "disclaimer" in the front of the book tells you that many of them have been "edited for clarity and brevity" and that "the accuracy cannot be guaranteed." Think of these as paraphrased thoughts rather than direct quotes, as no sources are given.) The themes all relate to what redemption does for and in us.

And because of that, there is much to be thankful for in this book. If you're looking for a spiritual vitamin for each day, this book will do quite nicely. If you want to relate the theology to real life, you'll have some work to do on your own.

Full disclosure: I was provided a copy of this book to read and evaluate, but was not asked to provide any certain type of review. I did read it over 30 days, as the book intended.

"Redeemed" Official Music Video