Restoration is the process of returning something to its original condition. For example, I once restored an antique furniture piece. It was a painstaking process of stripping off the old finish, sanding, and carefully refinishing it. The objective was to return it to the condition it was in when it was new.
Two men once provided a compelling illustration of restoration through a miraculous deed in another man's life: "Now Peter and John were going up to the temple at the ninth hour, the hour of prayer. And a man who had been lame from his mother's womb was being carried along, whom they used to set down every day at the gate of the temple which is called Beautiful, in order to beg alms of those who were entering the temple." (Acts 3.1-2)
A man, lame from birth - expecting to receive a handout from Peter and John - received something far greater than he could have imagined that day: "Peter said, 'I do not possess silver and gold, but what I do have I give to you: In the name ofJesus Christ the Nazarene - walk!' And seizing him by the right hand, he raised him up; and immediately his feet and his ankles were strengthened. With a leap he stood upright and began to walk; and he entered the temple with them, walking and leaping and praising God." (Acts 3.6-8)
Explaining the miracle to the flash mob that quickly assembled, Peter clarified that this miracle was a mere precedent for a much bigger plan. All who would "repent and return" (Acts 3.19) could anticipate "that He (God) may send Jesus, the Christ appointed for you, whom heaven must receive until the period of restoration of all things about which God spoke by the mouth of His holy prophets from ancient time." (Acts 3.20-21)
God's restoration plan is the repeated theme of the Bible. Prophet after prophet has announced the divine intention to repair and restore all that is so badly broken. Planet earth, and God's people, are destined to be restored to their original state of perfection. The earth will be cleansed and purified; God's people given immortality through resurrection.
If God is in the restoration business, then so ought His people to be. As His agents, empowered by Holy Spirit, evangelism and reconciliation are driven by the goal of restoration. Lost people can be found and restored. Broken relationships can be healed and restored. Wholeness can come from brokenness.
God's great restoration plan provides power and motivation for living like nothing else can. May you experience it in abundance today, even as He uses you as an agent of reconciliation in the world where He has placed you.
Steve
©Steve Taylor, 2013
Two men once provided a compelling illustration of restoration through a miraculous deed in another man's life: "Now Peter and John were going up to the temple at the ninth hour, the hour of prayer. And a man who had been lame from his mother's womb was being carried along, whom they used to set down every day at the gate of the temple which is called Beautiful, in order to beg alms of those who were entering the temple." (Acts 3.1-2)
A man, lame from birth - expecting to receive a handout from Peter and John - received something far greater than he could have imagined that day: "Peter said, 'I do not possess silver and gold, but what I do have I give to you: In the name ofJesus Christ the Nazarene - walk!' And seizing him by the right hand, he raised him up; and immediately his feet and his ankles were strengthened. With a leap he stood upright and began to walk; and he entered the temple with them, walking and leaping and praising God." (Acts 3.6-8)
Explaining the miracle to the flash mob that quickly assembled, Peter clarified that this miracle was a mere precedent for a much bigger plan. All who would "repent and return" (Acts 3.19) could anticipate "that He (God) may send Jesus, the Christ appointed for you, whom heaven must receive until the period of restoration of all things about which God spoke by the mouth of His holy prophets from ancient time." (Acts 3.20-21)
God's restoration plan is the repeated theme of the Bible. Prophet after prophet has announced the divine intention to repair and restore all that is so badly broken. Planet earth, and God's people, are destined to be restored to their original state of perfection. The earth will be cleansed and purified; God's people given immortality through resurrection.
If God is in the restoration business, then so ought His people to be. As His agents, empowered by Holy Spirit, evangelism and reconciliation are driven by the goal of restoration. Lost people can be found and restored. Broken relationships can be healed and restored. Wholeness can come from brokenness.
God's great restoration plan provides power and motivation for living like nothing else can. May you experience it in abundance today, even as He uses you as an agent of reconciliation in the world where He has placed you.
Steve
©Steve Taylor, 2013
posted by steve @ 8:48 AM
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