As we bring the Rescue And Restore Series to a close, I want to take a look at the seed of restoration that’s found in the Christmas story.
It goes way back to the Old Testament when the prophet Jeremiah said, “The Lord appeared to us in the past, saying: “I have loved you with an everlasting love; I have drawn you with loving-kindness. I will build you up again and you will be rebuilt, O Virgin Israel.” Jeremiah 31: 3-4
I know that the prophet is speaking of the restoration of Israel, but, why does he say, “O Virgin Israel?”
Could the word virgin speak of purity, of restoration, of one who is without sin? Jeremiah was speaking of bringing the nation back to a pure state, a pure restoration before defilement took place. God had raised her (Israel) up to follow after Him, but idolatry was what they were embracing.
That seed of restoration was about to be implanted, was about to give birth.
“The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son and will call him Immanuel.” (Isaiah 7: 14)
The Holy Spirit is the seed, the seed of new birth.
Remember Mary’s question after the angel Gabriel visited her.
She asked, “How will this be since I am a virgin?” Luke 1: 34
The angel answered, The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. So, the holy one to be born will be called the Son of God.” Luke 1: 35
The Word of God is then the instrument for which the seed lives.
It is the Word of God that is implanted into our hearts and into our lives that needs to be watered, and nourished, to flourish.
Folks, that seed implanted, that seed of new birth, is the seed of restoration.
God’s intention and purpose for humanity was for mankind to be restored to a right relationship with Him. That’s why He brought Jesus to us.
Jesus came into our world to plant the seed of new birth, into a woman, who would give birth so the entire world could come into new life.
That seed of restoration was for yesterday, today, and forever.
Peter says it this way, “For you have been born again, not of perishable seed, but of imperishable, through the living and enduring word of God.” 1 Peter 1: 23
The footnote in my Bible explains it this way: The new birth comes about through the direct action of the Holy Spirit, but the Word of God also plays an important role for it presents the gospel to the sinner and calls on him to repent and believe in Christ.
The Word of God stands firm forever.
Perishable refers to items that are liable to decay or spoil. Imperishable refers to items that are not subject to decay or destruction.
Being born again is having the seed of restoration within. This seed is imperishable, not subject to destruction.
This seed, the Holy Spirit, within cannot be destroyed.
In Christ, you were destined to be restored!!
As a Christ follower, the seed of Almighty God is within you.
That seed is a seed that restores, renews, and reveals all that God is.
The seed of restoration and revelation is within. Let’s reveal and release His seed of new birth and new life.
Why do you think David prayed to the Lord, “Restore to me the joy of your salvation and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me.” Psalm 51: 12
Prior to that verse, he asks, “Do not cast me from your presence or take your Holy Spirit from me.” Psalm 51: 11
God gives His people a new heart and a new spirit to live by when the seed of restoration is implanted at the new birth.
If your season right now is difficult, and joy seems far away, you can call on the Holy Spirit, pray, and ask that the seed that brings forth new birth, and restores joy, the joy of our salvation will be released.
Be like David who asks for a willing spirit to be sustained by the Holy Spirit.
May we have a new understanding of the seed of restoration that has been implanted and has been called forth to grow. We must make sure we water this seed daily.
As we finalize this series, let’s remember what we have learned and how much we gain from carrying His imperishable seed through our living and eternal God.
KINGDOM ASSURANCE
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