Readings: Isaiah 57:15-21, Acts 10:42-48, John 3:16-21
We've all driven by a neighborhood that is in various stages of renovation--a reclamation effort to restore a now dilapidated mess of houses into their former glory. Some look at the process and think it's the beginning of a new life for the neighborhood as well as those who will occupy the "new" homes. There is a transformation of condemnation to rescue to revival. Others see it as a waste of time--all that labor and expense to build up what might be easier just to forget and move on.
Happily for us, God is in the renovation business.
In Isaiah, God tells us that he "lives in a high and holy place, but he is also with the contrite and lowly in spirit" and that he is there to "revive the heart of the contrite" (57:15). There are times in our lives that our proverbial neighborhood is pretty much in disrepair. Whether it's a situation within or out of our control, the damage is done. We have a God who blesses us with these words: "Peace, peace to those far and near," says the Lord. "And I will heal them" (57:18). Our condemned lives can and are rescued and revived--all we have to do is accept the help.
And believe.
"Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe stands condemned already because he has not believed in the name of God's one and only Son" (John 3:18).
Our rescue will be made complete when we admit our sins that are making our foundations of life crumble. "Everyone who believes in him receives forgiveness of sins through his name" (Acts 10:43). Our condemned lives have received a reprieve, we are now rescued and ready for revitalization.
Our new foundations will be strong, our newly restored faith much like that fresh coat of paint that brings worn-out things back to newness. But, unlike the houses that are restored in the neighborhoods, our restoration is not finite. Houses will once again, over time, slide back into disrepair. Some, at that time, will be torn down and destroyed. Their lifetimes will end. Ours won't. Our renovation is eternal.
Peace be with you.
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