Lent Devotional: RestoreSample

Restore: God is restoring dignity “To those who sold doves he said, ‘Get these out of here! Stop turning my Father’s house into a market!’” (John 2:16) The actions and dialogue that surround Jesus overturning tables illustrate what it means to be one of his followers. In the text, his disciples respond by making connections with previous conversations they’ve had with Jesus, and with scriptures they recall – they join up the dots. Lent provides us with an opportunity to join up the dots, as we reflect on what Christ has to say in relation to all that is taking place in our world today, on issues such as poverty and justice. Perhaps we’ll begin to see why gender, ethnicity, and class issues are featured in so many of the stories in the Bible? Will this enable us to see how local churches can become the key players they are meant to be in “unlocking people’s potential,” to end poverty and restoring dignity for all? God of justice and hope, as we live through challenging times, we pray that you will inspire the church to take action and help restore dignity to those in their communities. We pray that individuals of all ages and backgrounds will come to know how to join up the dots, so as to know how they can be, and make, a difference. Rev Gale Richards, Zion Baptist Church