For some time now a word has been stirring in my heart. I thought it might be just for me so I didn’t share it for a while, but then it would slip out in conversations with people and the effect of it made me realize that it may be a word in this season for many more people.
And that word is:
RESTORATION
Of course, the first Scripture that came to mind was a familiar one found in the book of Joel.
Joel 2:25-27
So I will restore to you the years that the swarming locust has eaten, The crawling locust, The consuming locust, And the chewing locust, My great army which I sent among you.
You shall eat in plenty and be satisfied, And praise the name of the LORD your God, Who has dealt wondrously with you; And My people shall never be put to shame.
Then you shall know that I [am] in the midst of Israel: I [am] the LORD your God And there is no other. My people shall never be put to shame.
Here we see the amazing truth that God is the God of Restoration! Restoration is a powerful idea because it certainly means nothing is beyond hope. It also speaks of the value of something that is restored. Think about restored cars or furniture and the value of the ones that are restored. People will often pay far more for restored things than the price for it when it was new. What if God plans to restore things to better and more valuable than their original condition?
The idea of restoration is woven throughout the entire Bible. It starts with the first recorded promise after Adam and Eve sinned in the garden. It is clear at the end of the Book as well with the promise of a new heaven and a new earth. A place with no more tears, pain or death is certainly better than the current human condition on earth. Wow, can we just stop for a moment right now and thank our Creator that He is a God of Restoration? I mean, if you are a student of Christology and Soteriology, you have to conclude that the New Covenant is better than the Old Covenant. The second Adam is better than the first Adam. The first Adam could mess things up with his works but the second Adam (Jesus) secured our standing with God and keeps it protected for us.
Hebrews 10:12-14
But this Man, after He had offered one sacrifice for sins forever, sat down at the right hand of God, from that time waiting till His enemies are made His footstool. For by one offering He has perfected forever those who are being sanctified.
This principle of greater restoration is found in the Biblical story of Job and the commandments of restitution.
Exodus 22:4
If the theft is certainly found alive in his hand, whether it is an ox or donkey or sheep, he shall restore double.
Dictionary definitions of restoration make clear that it includes the action of returning something to a former owner, place, or condition.
Can I say it again?
God is a God of Restoration!
From the Scriptures I want to expound on three areas of restoration that seem to be emphasized.
- The restoration of stolen things.
- The restoration of things taken by circumstances and troubles.
- The restoration of inner qualities.
The Restoration Of Stolen Things
Proverbs 6:31
Yet [when] he is found, he must restore sevenfold; He may have to give up all the substance of his house.
Jesus said the thief comes only to steal, kill and destroy but He came to give life and life more abundantly.
Do you feel like the enemy has stolen from you?
“You can be confident that the God of Restoration is on your side and you can look forward with faith and vision to what is ahead.”
The Restoration Of Things Taken By Circumstances And Troubles
Jeremiah 30:17
“For I will restore health to you And heal you of your wounds,’ says the LORD, ‘Because they called you an outcast [saying:] “This [is] Zion; No one seeks her.”
We speak of restored marriages, families, health, business, etc. Wouldn’t it be nice if we could promise a life without any troubles? But we all know that circumstances and trouble can seem to take away so many things.
“No matter what has happened in your life or the problems that you may be facing now, you can look to the
God of Restoration as the One that is working on your behalf.”
The Restoration Of Inner Qualities
Psalm 51:12
Restore to me the joy of Your salvation, And uphold me [by Your] generous Spirit.
Psalm 23:3
He restores my soul; He leads me in the paths of righteousness for His name’s sake.
Isaiah 40:31
But those who wait on the LORD
Shall renew their strength;
They shall mount up with wings like eagles,
They shall run and not be weary,
They shall walk and not faint.
This might be my favorite one to share about because even if it seems like nothing good is happening externally, we can have the inner qualities despite it all. There are so many inner qualities that are promised to us. Wonderful attributes for our life like peace, joy, hope, faith, strength and so many more. God is interested in our well-being and wants us to live in the elevated state of qualities that transcend the shifting reality of circumstances and experiences.
“The God of Restoration is described so well in Psalm 23. Let Him lead you to green pastures and still waters. Let
Him anoint your head with fresh oil. God wants your life described as a cup that is running over because His goodness and mercy are following you all the time.”
In conclusion, let me remind you that the God of Restoration wants us to be restored to the point that things are better than ever before.
Zechariah 9:12
Return to the stronghold, You prisoners of hope. Even today I declare [That] I will restore double to you.
“God’s restoration is beyond the first, the ultimate restoration is coming and we believe and prophecy restoration.”
- Restored health
- Restored peace
- Restored joy
- Restored vision
- Restored relationships
- Restored finances
Psalm 80:3
Restore us, O God; Cause Your face to shine, And we shall be saved!
And of course, the ultimate restoration, (better than original condition) is our life in Christ. The life that Christ offers us by faith in Him is better than the original because this life doesn’t depend on us. It is hidden or protected in Christ. Not hidden to keep it from people but hidden to protect it for people. Put your faith and trust in Jesus for your life and eternity and receive the greatest fruit of restoration. Receive His promises and have hope in all things because you trust the God of Restoration.
