REBUILDING THE RUINS
“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
Tornadoes, tsunami, earthquakes, and floods--- they fill the media with devastation, death, and distress beyond human understanding. Lives lost, homes leveled, businesses destroyed, and whole landscapes changed in an instant. The grief and despair have spread from one continent to another.
But have you been near the ruins of a different kind? Do you know of lives destroyed by alcohol or drug addiction, marriages ended from abuse or infidelity, and people suffering from cancer, depression or other disease? These, too, bring grief and despair of a different kind. Or perhaps your thoughts go to someone you care about who does not have any of those concerns, but is caught in the self-absorption of materialism, worldly pleasures, and the “I am a good person” deception. This is a life in “ruin”, because the life-changing purposes and works of God are not being carried out through a person surrendered to Him.
For all the people in these tragic situations, we ask “Where is their hope?” When Isaiah wrote about “rebuilding the ancient ruins”, he was communicating the power and promises of the Holy God he knew.
David writes in Psalm 62:5, “Find rest, O my soul, in God alone; my hope comes from Him.”, as he flees from his enemies. Peter praises God the Father, “In His great mercy He has given us new birth into a living HOPE through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead--.” I Peter 1:3b
The message that gives us HOPE and that we share with others is:
1. Recognize who we are in relation to the holy God and confess our sins to Him.
Psalm 86: 1, 3, 5, 10 “Hear, O Lord, and answer me, for I am poor and needy.—Have mercy on me, O Lord—You are forgiving and good, O Lord, abounding in love to all who call to You. – For You are great and do marvelous deeds; You alone are God.”
2. Believe in the Savior He sent for us.
Paul says in Acts 16:31 “Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved –you and your household.”
3. Trust that He loves us and always will care for our needs.
“The Lord Himself goes before you and will be with you; He will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.” Deuteronomy 31:8
“But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the HOPE that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect.”
I Peter 3:15
