Easter: Grace That Changes Everythingਨਮੂਨਾ

Day 3: Restoration

If you look at the Bible, especially the Old Testament, you'll see a lot of talk about justice. You'll come across verses that say things like, "The Lord loves justice" and "Learn to do good; seek justice." There are hundreds of references to justice in the Old Testament alone.

So, with all this talk of justice, it is important to know what exactly that means.

The concept of justice in the Bible isn't just about punishing wrongdoing. It is primarily concerned with setting things right. So imagine, for instance, if a kid accidentally breaks his mom's lamp. Justice would be for the kid to either replace or repair the lamp. Justice would be incomplete if the kid were merely grounded and his mom was left with a broken lamp.

God is in the business of establishing justice. And the Easter story is the crux of his plan.

The death and resurrection of Jesus are the means by which we are invited to help make things right. Oppressors are called to repentance. The careless are taught to be wise. Captives are set free. The broken are made whole.

So, no matter where you find yourself at this point in your own story, the Easter story is ready to offer you hope. Are you struggling with sin? Jesus is ready to offer forgiveness and patience. Are you exhausted by trying to meet certain standards? Jesus wants to free you from that burden. Are you anxious, brokenhearted, or wrestling with your faith? Jesus wants to meet you where you are and validate your experience. Wherever you are in your story, you're never too far for Jesus to come find you. Your story has always been a facet of God's big plan for justice and restoration.

Next Step:

Watch this video, Restoration, and think about these questions:

1. Look around your house. What is a simple chore you could complete? While you do this chore, imagine God patiently, faithfully doing his work of restoration, even in the little things.
2. What is one area of your life in which you want to see restoration? Take some time to ask for God's help and/or share your story with a trusted friend.