Completely Restored.
Then Isaiah is so bold as to say, “I have been found by those who did not seek me; I have shown myself to those who did not ask for me.” But of Israel he says, “All day long I have held out my hands to a disobedient and contrary people.” - Romans 10:20-21 ESV
Paul’s letter to the Church in Rome addresses the different ways in which the Jewish and Gentile Christians had misunderstood the Gospel of our Lord Jesus. The Jewish Christians no doubt pointed out the ways in which they believed the gentile Christians were failing, and the gentiles probably returned the favour.
In this chapter, Paul is guided by the Holy Spirit to consider Isaiah 53’s unmistakable revelation of Jesus Christ and His atoning death for sinners. Before continuing please read through Isaiah 53 and take note of the way it reveals Jesus. Now, look at Romans 10:16, Paul echos the question raised by Isaiah “Lord, who has believed what he has heard from us?”
How can anyone, knowing the events of Jesus’ life, death and resurrection, read through Isaiah 53 and not believe that Jesus is the fulfilment of this Messianic prophecy? It’s always easier to see the failures and struggles of others, but harder to identify our own shortcomings. While we may believe that Isaiah is writing about Jesus Christ, and be amazed how anyone wouldn’t - we may also have our own issues of disbelief. Have we really believed the Gospel? Do we go through moments where we think that we’re not so bad that only the death of Jesus could save us, or perhaps that we’re so bad, that He wouldn’t want to have anything to do with us?
It’s not helpful to focus on the failings of others, without reflecting on how we fail in similar ways - and it’s not helpful doing either without coming humbly to Jesus to confess these failings, and ask Him to strengthen and guide us to think, and believe and act like Him. Nobody is so good that they don’t need Jesus’ atoning death to pay for their sins - and nobody is so bad that Jesus death is not enough to secure that forgiveness. It’s helpful to reflect on that often, and to ask Jesus to convict us of our shortcomings, and draw us to Him to confess, repent and believe is His complete and utter forgiveness.
Dear Father God, Thank You that nobody is out of reach of Your love and power to heal, forgive and restore us to You. We confess too Lord God, that it is only through the death of Jesus, that our sins were be paid for by Him, and that our forgiveness can be granted by You. We believe this Lord God, and we pray like the man whose son You rescued from the demons, “help us in our unbelief”. (Mark 9:24) In Jesus Name we Pray. Amen.
Amazing grace How sweet the sound That saved a wretch like me
I once was lost, but now I'm found Was blind, but now I see
'Twas grace that taught my heart to fear And grace my fears relieved
How precious did that grace appear The hour I first believed
My chains are gone I've been set free My God, my Savior has ransomed me
And like a flood His mercy reigns Unending love, amazing grace
The Lord has promised good to me His word my hope secures
He will my shield and portion be As long as life endures
My chains are gone I've been set free My God, my Savior has ransomed me
And like a flood His mercy reigns Unending love, amazing grace
The earth shall soon dissolve like snow The sun forbear to shine
But God, Who called me here below, Will be forever mine.
Will be forever mine. You are forever mine.
It’s easy to see the faults in others, especially when you’re confined with them, and are spending more time than ever with them. It’s also easy to find ourselves in a deeply contemplative mood and to dwell on our own failings or those of others. This week, let’s ask the Lord to show us our own failings, confess them, repent of them and move forward, in the faith that He has dealt with them, and has completely restored us, so that we can serve Him with all our hearts.