Today’s Reading: Joel 2:18-32
As we have read through Joel the last few days, we have heard about the Two Things – listening to God, and telling others about this great news. We have also looked at Don’t Fear the Past, Embrace the Promise. I pray you have had the opportunity to reflect and live out these essential pieces given to us through the word of the prophet Joel.
Today as we continue in Joel, I paused on the restoration promised to us all who are faithful and truly put their trust in the Lord. The Bible is filled with rich images of healing and restoration. It is a consistent theme of both the Old and New Testaments. Sometimes we fail the Lord badly. I can recall events from the past when I didn’t have a relationship with the Lord; even in my current work in progress stages, I can catch myself needing to be restored based on my sinful failures. Joel 2:25 says
“I will repay you for the years the locust have eaten...”
Only our God has any authority to say something of this nature. On my own, when I think of past failures can be one-time events, days, weeks, or years of selfishness or stubbornness that led to sin, I know of only one who takes any of our shortcomings and says, I have them all. You are forgiven. Go and live your life for Jesus know. God will take the time we have on this Earth and multiply his love through us more than we could ever imagine.
This promise of restoration is for everyone. God set out a plan for Joel and the people of Judah. He has a plan for each of us. When we forget His plan and lean toward our own, He provides the path necessary for restoration. God is looking for that today.
Think of the man on the cross next to Jesus. He had various failures that included stealing, and yet, through his concession and his life turned to Jesus right then, he joined Jesus in paradise for eternal life. Some might think he didn’t deserve it; at times in my life, I know I don’t deserve it when I listen to the world. Thankfully it’s not about what I deserve. It’s about His love for me and you.
Taking everything from our lives, turning them into His perfect masterpiece. Repentance & Restoration
But I have this against you, that you have left your first love. Therefore remember from where you have fallen, and repent and do the deeds you did at first; or else I am coming and will remove your lampstand out of its place- unless you repent. Revelation 2:4-5
http://https://youtu.be/WJTl2vnF3SE
Another Restoration song spoke to me.
Lecrae – Restored