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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 .