Restored

There is an extensive collection of psalms beginning in Psalm 120 called songs of ascent. These were songs that the people of Israel sang as they walked up to the Temple Mount to worship God. They prepared them for what they would encounter when the encountered God. They were also the “songs of the steps” a series of 15 psalms sung one on each step from the court of the women to the court of the men in the Temple.

In the middle of these psalms lies 126. It is a psalm that celebrates the restoration that God has brought to the children of Israel, when He rescued them from the hands of their enemies and gave them land, the Temple, and the promise of His Presence.

This song reminded the children of Israel who their hope depended on for restoration. And today, I want to look at it, so we can be reminded that the full measure of that restoration has been made real in Jesus, and that He is still at work restoring His Church and His people.

(Read Psalm 126)

So the first thing we need to notice is who does the restoring. It is God. Way too often we put all the pressure and focus on OUR work and efforts. We act as if it all depends on us. But that has never been true. And God has been trying to remind us of that from the beginning with the call to Sabbath and to rest.

We see the results of this man-centered ministry all over the American church.

Fundamentalists- all about the rules

Attractional model- all about the show

Social gospel model- all about the community

Prosperity Gospel- all about the material blessings

But what is missing from all of that is the power of God. Is His work that is so powerful and so unbelievable that it is like a dream.

And when we see what God has wrought we cannot help but laugh and worship with joy! Who would not want to see God work like that???? To be so amazed at what He has done, that our response is to pinch ourselves!

And further, what God has done in Psalm 126 is so amazing that the other nations who do not follow God recognize His hand at work. They see HIM maybe for the first time. When God restores, His work is undeniable even to those who do not yet believe.

And the people have one confession- that they would agree that God has done great things FOR them- and they are glad- thankful, grateful, humbled.

So what is the result of the restoration?

God’s power is abundant- the streams in the Negeb came after rains and they brought life to dead places- Jesus does that when He restores- He brings to life those who were dead (Gospel presentation here)

Sorrow turns to joy- sorrow over sin (both ours and what was done to us) is overcome by God’s power and He turns what should cause us to weep to make us joyous- His displays of power make this so!

Growth happens- this is not personal growth this is a harvest! Souls won to the Lord. Those who have gone out initially sorrowful over their sin have sown seeds that have born fruit and that fruit is a harvest of righteousness- repentance and salvation!

What would set us apart? What would make West Metro the church it should be? A dependance on the Lord for restoration. A belief that He alone can make things new. A seeking of the Lord together for His power, His purpose, His pleasure…His glory!

How can we today repent as a body and commit to having the Lord restore us in this season?