Authentic Restoration
The Promise of Redemption • Sermon • Submitted
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· 1 viewGod is promising a future of TRUE repentance for Israel. But true repentance will require God to execute His will to completion. Otherwise it is only a restoration, which is only what other see and not an authentic spiritual union.
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Authentic Restoration
Authentic Restoration
For thus says the Lord: “Sing aloud with gladness for Jacob, and raise shouts for the chief of the nations; proclaim, give praise, and say, ‘O Lord, save your people, the remnant of Israel.’
Behold, I will bring them from the north country and gather them from the farthest parts of the earth, among them the blind and the lame, the pregnant woman and she who is in labor, together; a great company, they shall return here.
With weeping they shall come, and with pleas for mercy I will lead them back, I will make them walk by brooks of water, in a straight path in which they shall not stumble, for I am a father to Israel, and Ephraim is my firstborn.
Opening Prayer
Opening Prayer
The Backdrop to this picture of renewal
Starting in Chapter 30, God was highlighting the reality of how His people got in their current situation and what the future looked like for them.
“Thus says the Lord”...
Each packet of wisdom is introduces with this phrase.
Having the right perspective of what God is doing is a blessing and is also essential to get a correct perspective of the past, present, and future with God.
While the nation of Israel is seeing God’s wrath, what is not as evident is God plan for authentic restoration of His people. This future is a cause for joy in the hearts of Israel. However, as a warning, authentic renewal includes: a complete gathering of all God’s people, authentic repentance that is both spiritual and emotional, and renewed walk with God.
To really see this, you must see it through the backdrop of a couple of verses.
The fierce anger of the Lord will not turn back until he has executed and accomplished the intentions of his mind. In the latter days you will understand this.
Israel brought on God’s wrath. (They reject all the warnings)
Now they are going to face God’s righteous anger.
God’s wrath wasn’t about punishing them
God sought to correct their heart.
So they had to see it through.
“At that time, declares the Lord, I will be the God of all the clans of Israel, and they shall be my people.”
...In “the last days”(previous verse)
Israel will enjoy a renewed relationship with God.
therefore...
Even in their darkest hour, Israel has reason for joy.
For thus says the Lord: “Sing aloud with gladness for Jacob, and raise shouts for the chief of the nations; proclaim, give praise, and say, ‘O Lord, save your people, the remnant of Israel.’
The people of Judah are adjusting to their new life as slaves of Babylon.
Yet God tells them to “sing aloud with gladness”
He even calls them the “chief of nations”
I doubt they felt like a nation at all.
Seems pretty obvious to view our place in the world by what is reality.
They are being carted off
Their country has been decimated.
But Israel’s stature isn’t based on what is seen.
Israel’s stature doesn’t come from what the people say about them (or what they do to them)
Israel’s stature (and reason for joy) comes from the love that God has for them.
Illustration: David was already a king.
Consider King David.
We are introduced to him when he was a young shepherd boy. Later find that he wasn’t even big enough to fit into a solder’s armor.
When was David a king?
I would argue that he was a king when God placed that calling on his life.
His coronation wasn’t until years later.
Israel’s stature came from the love God had for them and promises God gave them.
God was promising a future of authentic restoration with his children....
Sing praises of joy
set up road markers (verse 21)
He was telling them to prepare for a future that was coming.
Authentic Restoration includes (at least) three things.
The complete gathering of all of God’s people.
Behold, I will bring them from the north country and gather them from the farthest parts of the earth, among them the blind and the lame, the pregnant woman and she who is in labor, together; a great company, they shall return here.
bring them - from the north country
gather them - from the farthest parts of the earth
lame, pregnant, in labor -
even those who are struggling the most
who would be considered a burden
EVERYONE will be restored!!!!
2. Spiritual & emotional repentance to personal sin.
Jeremiah 31:9 (ESV)
With weeping they shall come, and with pleas for mercy I will lead them back, I will make them walk by brooks of water, in a straight path in which they shall not stumble, for I am a father to Israel, and Ephraim is my firstborn.
They already had God’s love, but their relationship was still in shambles
God’s wants a relationship with His children
But only if it is authentic.
They sign for this, is their spiritual and emotional repentance.
Is God interested in humiliating us? Is this a problem with ego?
Consider David’s sins with Bathsheba...
It wasn’t until Nathan confronted him that he was ready to repent.
Psalm 51 records David prayer of repentance for God massive sins.
For you will not delight in sacrifice, or I would give it; you will not be pleased with a burnt offering.
The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart, O God, you will not despise.
When you finally get to see the reality of your sin, you are ready to be real with God.
And He is ready to fit all that you let the devil destroy.
A sign that you are ready is your spiritual and emotional repentance for personal sin.
3. A Renewed walk with God.
Jeremiah 31:9 (ESV)
With weeping they shall come, and with pleas for mercy I will lead them back, I will make them walk by brooks of water, in a straight path in which they shall not stumble, for I am a father to Israel, and Ephraim is my firstborn.
God desired great things for the nation of Israel.
Sin (as id does with all people) only wants to destroy them
When they are read to truly repent and follow God
He is promises to firmly re-establish them as His people.
Walk by brooks of water = They will flourish
in a straight path = A relationship with God leads to a
(The Bridge)
What does this show regarding God’s Character?
God’s love is absolutely unconditional. (not the relationship)
What does this show about fallen humanity?
We are willing to settle for a comfortable relationship with God
Even if is not authentic.
We will stay in our sin as long as the suffering stops.
How does this point to Christ?
Authentic renewal to God is a spiritual renewal,
This is ONLY possible through a faith in Christ.
Results in a new heart for a “new creation”
Predicated by spiritual and emotional repentance for personal sin.
What does God want you to know?
He loves you no matter how bad your situation is.
He desire a relationship with you, but only one that is authentic.
Closing Prayer
Closing Prayer