January 21, 2015

I admire and respect those who are skilled at restoration projects. Some have painstakingly restored classic cars to their original beauty. Others have taken old, dilapidated homes and restored them to their former glory. 

Two men once provided a compelling illustration of restoration through a miraculous deed done 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 monetary 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 of Jesus 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)

I can almost visualize this amazing miracle. The lame man became instantly aware of strength in his feet and ankles, and the joy of the miracle moved to do what he had never done before: walk and leap in gratitude and worship. What an amazing sight it must have been for the crowd that quickly assembled around him. This restoration miracle provided opportunity for a restoration proclamation. Deferring credit from himself, Peter pointed to the real source of the miracle: "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)

The miracle of restoration was a precedent for coming restoration. This Jesus, who was the source of restoration healing, had been received into heaven until the appointed time of restoration, when His Father would send Him back to oversee His great project. Not only would the lame, deaf, and blind be healed then, but so would the entire earth. 

God and His Son are in partnership in the restoration business, and they call the people of God to the same. There is restoration work to be done through the power of Holy Spirit. Evangelism and discipleship are processes of restoring lost people to the glory intended for them. Restoration work is also about healing broken relationships, attitudes, and lifestyles. 

This side of the kingdom, restoration work is partial at best. It’s still a broken world we live in. But, miracles of restoration can and do occur as shining examples of restoration to come. The coming kingdom of restoration is modeled through modern-day restoration. 

Let’s participate fully today in the great restoration project. Let us begin be allowing His restoration power to wash over and in us, restoring wholeness in our lives. Let’s testify to others about it, and then let’s partner together to be agents of restoration in a world badly in need. 

Steve

©Steve Taylor, 2015
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