Saturday, November 20, 2010

Living Reconciliation - Pt. 2 "The Hope - Redeemed-Restored Relationships"

The second element in our hope of reconciliation hinges on the first; forgiveness (see previous post for more). Redeemed and restored relationships are impossible apart from it. Through forgiveness the bitter root is snipped (Hebrews 12:15) and the healing power of the Holy Spirit is unleashed to effect change in our hearts and minds - ushering in redemption and restoration.
Jesus is the ultimate testament of this truth to us. Because of his obedient choice, to die on the cross for our sins -paying the profound price; death- and then being raised to life, we have a way to be reconciled to the Father . He declared, " I am the way, the truth and the life. No man comes to the Father except through me"(John 14:6). The scripture also says, "God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God" (2 Corinthians 5:21). He willing came then and he seeks us out now -wooing us to Himself... He is the example by which we should pattern our lives and our responses to others.

Isaiah 62:12 states,

"They will be called the Holy People,
the Redeemed of the LORD;
and you will be called
Sought After,
the City No Longer Deserted
." (italics mine)

"called 'Sought after, the City No Longer Deserted'"...he seeks us out! And not only that, He provides the means of restoration! We are redeemed through personal relationship with Jesus and in turn called to continue "the work" of reconciliation (Titus 2:14). In essence, we are covenant bearers -a testimony of God's character and his heart towards the world (Isaiah 49:8). Our ability to accomplish this mission flows out of our complete, active obedience to the Word and our deliberate willingness to lay down our "rights" for the benefit and blessing of another. When we operate in concert with the Father, ushering in redemption and restoration through our words and actions (albeit sacrificially at times), we demonstrate the purest form of His love and grace - dying so that life may come...
In doing so, the Holy Spirit's resurrection power (Ephesians 1 :18-20) is activated in its full measure and we "become the righteousness of God" -

"Your people will rebuild the ancient ruins
and will raise up the age-old foundations;
you will be called Repairer of Broken Walls,
Restorer of Streets with Dwellings." ~ Isaiah 58:12

"They will rebuild the ancient ruins
and restore the places long devastated;
they will renew the ruined cities
that have been devastated for generations." ~ Isaiah 61:4

This is who we are to be...LET YOUR LIFE SPEAK!


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