Restoration A Major Theme In The Kingdom !

Whenever the word „Restore‟ is used it shows that an original state of rela-

tionship, health, ownership or status has changed. It means reinstate, put

back to former condition. When Adam and Eve sinned against God, the

good relationship that existed between them and God was broken. They

inherited a curse that ushered death in human race. Read Gen. 3

Even though they had disobeyed God„s command, He still cared for them.

This is seen when He clothes them

and curses the devil. God declared:

“And I will put enmity Between you

and the woman, And between your

seed and her Seed; He shall bruise

your head, And you shall bruise His

heel." Gen. 3:15

The LORD immediately embarked on

the process of restoring man back to

his former condition and state. For as

in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall

all be made alive. 1Cor. 15:22

God made a covenant with Abraham.

This Covenant demonstrates how God

restores people back to Him. He val-

ues restoration. From Adam to-date

God is still restoring the Lost and does

not wish that any should perish. Gen. 15:9-21

The LORD uses everyday situations to remind us about His

Work of restoration. Abraham‟s wife Sarah had been taken by

Abimilech the King of Gerar.

It took God‟s hand to remove her from the „jaws‟ of the evil one. But God

came to Abimelech in a dream by night, and said to him, "Indeed you

are a dead man because of the woman whom you have taken, for she

is a man's wife. Now therefore, restore the man's wife; for he is a

prophet, and he will pray for you and you shall live. But if you do not

restore her, know that you shall surely die, you and all who are

yours." Gen. 20:3,7-NKJV

The ultimate work of restoration is manifested when Jesus offered Himself

to be crucified and die a shameful death on

the cross as a ransom for our redemption.

Through His excruciating agony, death, buri-

al and resurrection we all have an opportuni-

ty to obtain eternal life. “Blessed are those

who hunger and thirst for righteousness, For

they shall be filled.” Mat. 5:6-NKJV

Joseph showed kindness to his brothers. He restored their money

and worked towards restoring the once broken relationship with

his brothers. “Then Joseph

commanded to fill their sacks

with corn, and to restore eve-

ry man's money into his sack,

and to give them provision

for the way: and thus did he

unto them.* Gen. 42:25

In the Old Testament, the

message of restoration is

very clear. The Law stated, “If a man shall steal an ox, or a sheep,

and kill it, or sell it; he shall restore five oxen for an ox, and four

sheep for a sheep. {or a sheep: or, or a goat}” Ex 22:1.

Those who steal public resources should grasp something from this

revelation. Corrupt officials should not just go scot-free. They

should be held accountable and be compelled to restore any resource

they embezzle. Corrupt people are egocentric and pitiless.

During the

Year of Jubi-

lee in Israel,

freedom

was pro-

claimed.

The slave

would be set

free. Those in debt would be liberated. Any property confiscated due to failure

to repay debt would be returned to the rightful owner. God was preparing His

people to understand His Grace in a unique way. Lev. 25

King David understood

restoration. When

Prophet Nathan con-

fronted him after taking

Uriah’s wife, he quickly

pronounced judgment

against the man who

had taken a poor man’s

lamb.

He degreed that the

man should be compen-

sated not knowing he is the culprit meant to restore Uriah after the

adulterous act he had committed with Bathsheba (Uriah’s wife). David

declared, “And he shall restore the lamb fourfold, because he did this

thing, and because he had no pity.” 2 Sa 12:6

Prophet Ezekiel

saw the valley of

dry bones God

commanded him to

prophesy over

them. The LORD

showed His servant

how He would re-

store the nation of

Israel back to their land. Eze.37. It is believed that this prophecy was

fulfilled on 14th May in 1948 when Israel declared her independence.

Israel had ceased to be a nation after the destruction of the Temple in Jeru-

salem in 70 AD. “So shall My word be that goes forth from My mouth; It

shall not return to Me void, But it shall accomplish what I please, And it

shall prosper in the thing for which I sent it.” Isaiah 55:11-NKJV

Jesus had prophesied

about it. Luke 19:41-44.

It was the Roman Empire

forces under General Ti-

tus. Israel is now one na-

tion under one leader.

Prior to their dispersal,

we had two Kingdoms

forming Israel (Judah in the

South with Jerusalem as the Capital and Israel in the North with Samaria

as its Capital City).

Much sin was brewed in the North than in the South. I hope you still re-

member King Ahab and the wife Jezebel. This was their base. God send

His servants Prophet Elijah and Elisha to deal with the situation. Right-

eousness was restored in the land of Israel. God punished evil people.

Destruction of the Temple in Jerusalem in AD 70

Prophet Elijah slew 450 false prophets of Baal. Elisha continued

after Prophet Elijah had been taken by Chariots of horses and fire

to Heaven. 2Kings 2:11

Celebration of Independence in Israel -1948

Israel and Judah united as one nation under one leader.

King David remembered the covenant he made with Jonathan

and restored the property that belonged to King Saul to

Mephibosheth (Jonathan’s son). 2 Sam 9:9.

It is painful to lose something you have invested much of your time, re-sources and energy. There are some investors who rush to withdraw their savings from a company they fill is going down. You might be there writhing in pain for losing something you valued. God has a better plan

for your life. What seemed good, but better is superior to the other one that looked good. The later rain is greater than the former. If you are a covenant person, the LORD has promised to re-

store all that you lost. Remember the LORD lifted Job from ashes and gave him double blessings of all that he had lost during his tri-als. Job 42:10. The Bible tells us that God restored Job when he prayed for his friends who had offended through their words. We are called to love people re-gardless of their attitude towards us. It sounds crazy but that is what pleases God.

God declares, "So I will restore to you the years that the swarming lo-cust has eaten, The crawling locust, The consuming locust, And the chewing locust, My great army which I sent among you..* Joe 2:25-NKJV

Before Jesus started his earth-

ly ministry, John the Baptist

was sent to prepare people to

receive Him. John preached

forgiveness of sins. Read

Matthew 3. It was confirmed

by Jesus Himself: “And Jesus

answered and said unto

them, Elias truly shall first

come, and restore all things.* Mt 17:11

Apostle enlightened Galatian believers by cautioning them about compla-

cence. He stated, “if a man is overtaken in any trespass, you who are

spiritual restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness, considering

yourself lest you also be tempted.” Gal. 6:1- (NKJV). He understood

our frailty as humans.

If you need your life restored to God, please join

me in this prayer:

Prayer: Dear God, I have heard you word . I confess that I am a sin-

ner. Please forgive me! I believe that Jesus Christ died for my sins on

the cross , was buried and on the Third day rose again for my Justifi-

cation. I now accept Him as my Lord and Saviour. Write my name in

the Book of Life. Fill me with your Holy Spirit and Power to witness

your freedom to others. In Jesus’ holy name I pray. Thank you Je-

sus! Amen!

By Ken Liyai

Glory To God!

Wise Counsel

Find a Charismatic Church in

your neighbourhood where

you can grow in faith .