By Rev Don Schatz

Restoration.

You can listen to today’s devotion by clicking on this SoundCloud link.

I’m that guy who, when my wife says to throw something out responds, “Oh, it just needs a little sanding and some paint.”  Of course, I frequently don’t get around to either the sanding or the paint.

However, what about when I am the one who “needs sanding and paint?”  It happens, believe me.  Does it happen to you?  A rustic old barn, set in the middle of a wildlife refuge, still has character, evokes a bit of mystery, and has an air about it that says, “I used to be something!” When I look at myself, I sometimes feel as though the mystery is gone.  I have trouble remembering if I used to be something.  The glory fades.

All things are passing, but God never changes.  Thank goodness!  Not only that, God has in mind for us something very different indeed:

“In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade….” 
I Peter 1:3-4a, New International Version

I especially like the part about never perishing, spoiling, or fading!  An old barn is still picturesque.  An older me maybe not so much, but there is more to me, and more to you, than otherwise meets the eye!  We lay claim to the awesome promises of God in Jesus Christ.  “Restore” is not just a word for HGTV or DIY Channel shows.  God is continually restoring us.  Even confession and  absolution are about God’s restoring work for us.  He has restored us to his heart, his hope, his love, his grace, his forgiveness, his vision, his promises, and his inheritance.  That can never perish, never spoil, and never fade.

Today is another day for the Lord to breathe life at you, upon you, and into you.  Today is a day for shining with the glory of God’s own countenance. In other words, to claim his promise and live, and love, like he would if he were in your body.  Ever new.  Restored.  Never fading.

Copyright Holy Cross Lutheran Church, Colorado Springs, CO