Sunday, Day 15: The with-God life
Then they will rebuild the ancient ruins, They will raise up the former devastations; And they will repair the ruined cities, The desolations of many generations. Isaiah 61:4
Thought: Repairing the Ruins We were in Italy a few years ago and were overwhelmed with the art, architecture and history of generations past. Some views were exquisitely beautiful while others were reminders of the devastation that our ancestors endured. The above picture is from the Roman Coliseum where Christians were fed to wild animals for entertainment. I guess we’re smiling because we weren’t dinner… some ruins are best left unrepaired! A young Venetian woman in her 20’s, who told us she had a degree in “The Basilica of St Mark”, shared a profound insight about living among ancient ruins. With a heavy heart she said, “Americans are blessed because your hope is in the future… as young people in Italy we must live our lives dependent on the past. Our prosperity, jobs, housing and families are all centered in our past.” (We then proceeded to share with her the hope of integrating the past into the future… it was a beautiful faith-imparting moment.)
The above scripture from Isaiah was written about 50 years after the Israelites were in Babylonian captivity and hundreds of years before Christ would come to the earth and begin His earthly ministry of rebuilding ruins and raising up former devastations. God has an appointed time for raising up and an appointed time for rebuilding all things. He is the architect; you are His contractor for this generation. This is our with-God purpose.
Practices: Attend a worship service today. Worship the God who restores. Read the full Advent reading; Isaiah 61:1-4, 8-11. Ask God, “what ruins-devastations do I see in my own life? In the lives of others? ” Ask God,” is my life centered in the ruins of the past? How am I doing with rebuilding and raising up former devastations?”
Prayer: Jesus, Your promise is to rebuild and raise us up…. let me work with you to reframe a broken world. Anoint me to be with you in the promise of restoration. Use my hands, heart and voice to fulfill the prophecy of Isaiah 61.
Bluebook (Lectionary) reading: 3rd Isaiah 61:1-4, 8-11
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