Post by tomdurst on Feb 25, 2008 8:30:50 GMT -5
HEALING AND RESTORATION
By Thomas E. Durst
By Thomas E. Durst
Jeremiah 32
36 "But there is also this Message from me, the God of Israel, to this city of which you have said, 'In killing and starvation and disease this city will be delivered up to the king of Babylon':
37-40 "'Watch for this! I will collect them from all the countries to which I will have driven them in my anger and rage and indignation. Yes, I'll bring them all back to this place and let them live here in peace. They will be my people, I will be their God. I'll make them of one mind and heart, always honoring me, so that they can live good and whole lives, they and their children after them. What's more, I'll make a covenant with them that will last forever, a covenant to stick with them no matter what, and work for their good. I'll fill their hearts with a deep respect for me so they'll not even think of turning away from me.
41 "'Oh how I'll rejoice in them! Oh how I'll delight in doing good things for them! Heart and soul, I'll plant them in this country and keep them here!'
42-44 "Yes, this is God's Message: 'I will certainly bring this huge catastrophe on this people, but I will also usher in a wonderful life of prosperity. I promise. Fields are going to be bought here again, yes, in this very country that you assume is going to end up desolate—gone to the dogs, unlivable, wrecked by the Babylonians. Yes, people will buy farms again, and legally, with deeds of purchase, sealed documents, proper witnesses—and right here in the territory of Benjamin, and in the area around Jerusalem, around the villages of Judah and the hill country, the Shephelah and the Negev. I will restore everything that was lost.' God's Decree." [The Message]
Take some time and meditate on the precious verses above. You will really be blessed! I certainly was when I read them as part of my morning devotions recently.
The children of Israel really messed up big time again and again and as a result they went into Babylonian captivity but GOD DID NOT FORSAKE THEM--no, not at all. At the end of the 70 years they were promised restoration once again. God would literally DELIGHT IN DOING GOOD THINGS FOR THEM!! In a larger sense these words apply to the restoration and healing that take place in the New Covenant.
We are very much like the children of Israel. Sometimes we really make BIG mistakes that cost us a lot of suffering but God's message to us is not one of "doom and gloom" but it is about HEALING AND RESTORATION. I find a lot of encouragement in this for many times I've really regretted my mistakes but as I feed upon the wonders of God's promises in scripture my heart is uplifted to heavenly places and I sense God's wonderful healing Presence. Let us give thanks for a God that gives us the freedom to make our own decisions. Sometimes our decisions bring us suffering but He is still there to help us out of the mess we make. He brings us healing and restoration.
Just as God promised to restore His erring people of olden days to the promised land so He promises to restore us also to our promised land which is one of peace, joy, and deep inner fulfillment. No one could possibly ask for more. Wouldn't you like to join with me in partaking of this wonderful land of promise?
Aren't you thankful to be able to serve a God whose purpose is to always do us good and provide abundantly for all of our needs at every level? I surely am glad to have such a God who provides an anchor sure and steadfast in a world of uncertainty and turmoil.
For additional related thoughts be sure to read FULLNESS OF LIFE FOR ALL PEOPLE on the link below:
FULLNESS OF LIFE FOR ALL PEOPLE
