Restore week 4B

“Forward Restoration”

### **Introduction: Redefining Restoration**

When we think about restoration, we often imagine returning to something in the past.

We think about **restoring an old piece of furniture**, **reviving a failing business**, or even **regaining lost health**.

In each of these cases, restoration is tied to a prior state—a condition that we once knew but lost.

Questions to consider . . .

But what if God's restoration is different?

What if His restoration isn’t about taking us back to what was, but rather about moving us into what *will be*?

Is God’s plan to **take us back** or to **move us forward**?

Does He restore us to **return** to an old state or to **grow** into something new?

Today, we will explore what it means for God’s restoration to be forward-focused.

As we consider God’s plan, we will see that His goal is not to restore us to our former selves, but to move us forward into something greater—into the image of Christ and into the fullness of His Kingdom.

Scriptural examples . . .

Isaiah 43:18-19 (ESV)**:

> **18** "Remember not the former things, nor consider the things of old.

> **19** Behold, I am doing a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it? I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert."

One of the key themes of Isaiah 43 is God's call to **forget the former things** and perceive the **new thing** He is doing. This speaks to a **forward-looking restoration**, where God promises to deliver them from exile, but more importantly, to **renew their relationship** with Him.

### **The Disciples’ Question and Jesus' Response**

[Acts 1:6-11]

In Acts 1, we see the disciples asking Jesus a question that many of us have likely asked in our own way: “Lord, will you at this time restore the kingdom to Israel?” Their question reveals their focus—on the past. They were looking for a restoration of Israel’s former political and national glory.

But Jesus doesn’t entertain their backward-looking hopes. Instead, He responds by pointing them **forward**. He tells them that **it’s not for them to know the times or seasons**, but they will receive power from the Holy Spirit to be witnesses. In essence, Jesus shifts their attention from the past to the mission that lies ahead.

Then, as the disciples stand watching Him ascend into heaven, two angels appear and ask a powerful question: **“Why do you stand looking into heaven?”** They challenge the disciples to stop looking at what has happened and to **anticipate the future**—the return of Christ and the coming of His Kingdom.

- How often do we find ourselves **longing for the good old days**, when God is calling us to look ahead to the **great days yet to come**?

- Are we praying to return to a previous state when God is preparing us for something new?

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### **Looking Forward: The Restoration of All Things**

[Revelation 21:1-5]

In the book of Revelation, we see the ultimate picture of God’s forward restoration. John writes, “I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away.” This is the culmination of God’s restorative work. He isn’t interested in merely patching up the old earth—He is bringing forth a **new creation**.

In this new creation:

God will **dwell with His people**.

He will **wipe away every tear** and **eradicate death, pain, and mourning**.

And He declares, “**Behold, I am making all things new.**”

This is the forward restoration that God promises—a future where the effects of sin and brokenness are completely undone, and we live in the fullness of His presence forever. **This is our hope**, and it sustains us through the trials of the present.

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### **Seeing with Eternal Eyes**

[2 Corinthians 4:17-18]

Paul writes that our current trials are **light and momentary**, especially when compared to the **eternal glory** they are preparing for us. This is a critical point for understanding God’s restoration. The challenges and sufferings we face today are not permanent; they are preparing us for something far greater.

We are called to **look beyond what is seen**—the temporary circumstances of life—and to fix our eyes on the **eternal promises of God**.

- The key to forward restoration is **seeing beyond the present**.

- Our circumstances, no matter how difficult, are part of God’s **preparation process** for His eternal kingdom.

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Applications:

### **1. Let Go of Past Failures and Regrets**

(*Isaiah 43:18-19*)

_"Remember not the former things, nor consider the things of old. Behold, I am doing a new thing."_

- **Application**: Release your past failures to God. Allow Him to heal the wounds of your past and focus on the future He is creating. This might mean pursuing new opportunities, forgiving yourself and others, or taking bold steps toward change without fearing past mistakes.

### **2. Embrace God's Preparation in the Present**

(*2 Corinthians 4:17-18*)

_"For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison."_

- **Application**: Rather than focusing on the temporary discomfort or pain you are facing, seek God’s purpose in your situation. Ask yourself, "How is God using this to grow me?" Embrace your trials as preparation for your future and His eternal glory. Practice gratitude in the present, knowing that God is shaping you for a future beyond comparison.

### **3. Focus on the Eternal, Not the Temporary**

(*2 Corinthians 4:18*)

_"We look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal."_

- **Application**: Reassess your priorities. Are you investing more in temporary things than in eternal ones? This could involve shifting your focus to relationships, spiritual growth, serving others, and deepening your faith rather than pursuing temporary gains. Create daily habits that help you focus on eternal values, such as prayer, Scripture reading, and acts of service.

### **4. Live with Expectation of Future Restoration**

(*Revelation 21:1-5*)

_"Behold, I am making all things new."_

- **Application**: Live with the expectation that God is always working toward a future restoration. This hope should motivate you to endure suffering with faith, persevere through trials, and actively participate in God’s mission today. It also invites you to be agents of restoration in your community by working toward justice, peace, and healing in the world, knowing that the final restoration is certain.

### **5. Trust God’s Timing and Sovereignty**

(*Acts 1:6-11*)

_"It is not for you to know times or seasons that the Father has fixed by his own authority."_

- **Application**: Learn to trust God's timing, even when things don’t happen as you expect. Instead of being anxious about when things will change, focus on the **mission at hand**. Be faithful in your everyday responsibilities, knowing that God is sovereign over time and seasons. When you don’t see immediate restoration, trust that God is still at work.

### **6. Be Filled with the Power of the Holy Spirit for Your Mission**

(*Acts 1:8*)

_"But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses."_

Restoration is not just a personal journey; it involves participating in God's kingdom work. The power of the Holy Spirit enables us to be witnesses of God's restoring work in the world.

- **Application**: Seek the empowerment of the Holy Spirit in your life. Ask the Holy Spirit to guide and strengthen you as you share the message of hope and restoration with others. Whether in your family, workplace, or community, be bold in living out and sharing the gospel. Live with the confidence that God's Spirit is within you, equipping you for His purposes.

### **7. Don't Settle for "Good Old Days" Thinking**

(*Acts 1:10-11*)

_"Men of Galilee, why do you stand looking into heaven?"_

The disciples were caught looking back to Jesus’ earthly ministry, but the angels redirected them to anticipate what was coming next—Christ’s return and the future fulfillment of God’s kingdom.

- **Application**: Avoid nostalgia that hinders forward growth. It’s easy to romanticize the past and wish for “the way things were.” But God calls you to focus on what’s ahead—on the **new work** He’s doing in your life, your church, and the world. Be open to the new opportunities and challenges God is presenting to you, knowing that His plan is not just to return you to a previous state, but to move you into something greater.

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### **Conclusion: Moving Forward in God's Restoration**

Living in the light of forward restoration means **letting go of the past**, trusting God in the present, and looking with hope to the future. Whether in moments of personal challenge, family restoration, or global unrest, God’s plan is always to move us forward into His kingdom purposes. With eyes fixed on the **eternal**, empowered by the **Holy Spirit**, and sustained by the **hope of Christ’s return**, we can confidently walk in the newness of life that God has promised.