Restoration

Generally, restoration in the Bible symbolizes healing, renewal, and the re-establishment of what was lost, including aspects like land, health, life and cars <smiling>. 

I know some very skilled men who make it an art form to restore cars. They take it down to the studs, sand it, cut the rust out and pay crazy amounts for the parts, but refuse to work on themselves, their marriage or relationship with GOD!

I have a definition that works well enough to use it here. “Restoration looks like a process of returning to a former condition, often involving the replacement of lost elements,” like outer attractiveness.

I know some rather accomplished women who are able to transform hair, homes and clothing to make what was once a wreck, look pristine and too valuable to want to touch. They are willing to go to the ends of the earth in search of beauty in the Sistine Chapel and other cultures, but refuse to see the value of their own beauty: inside and out, trust GOD with the who they really are and surrender their worth to their Creator and the man who is trying in vigor to work on himself and their relationship.

Restoration can manifest in various forms, such as emotions, personal growth and transformation of a decaying soul and wounded spirit.

When a person considers the healing of the emotions, he/she will think the healing at that level is rather substantial.  It has been said, “true restoration often requires a deep emotional journey, where individuals confront their past mistakes and embrace change.” How many of us are running around shouting “Hal le lu Yah” and inside there is nothing but knots, muck, turmoil and unforgiveness? 

Becoming someone new from the inside out screams personal growth. Does it not? If we align with GOD's original design and purpose for mankind (and us individually), there is no place to go but inward and upward.  As we pursue the Truth of our GOD, through His Son, by the Holy Spirit, we can’t help but grow into a new creation/creature. 

When the discovery of spiritual transformation starts awakening us, we learn that it is about rediscovering one's essence (purpose-filled) design.

When a person reestablishes his or her desire to live a life of purity, it does not renew their virginity, but it changes the way they see themselves and how they treat their bodies.

Walking in compassion and reconciling the hurt and confusion that stem from past failures renovates a person in unknown ways. That individual is now faced with the opportunity to live with a renewed sense of purpose. 

I guess it would have been easier to say, restoration is a multifaceted process that encompasses emotional, spiritual, and shared change. Every piece of that modification would/could/should ultimately lead to a renewed sense of wholeness and fulfillment.

In the Book of Ezekiel, restoration is depicted through vivid imagery and visions the Father of Creation gave. A few of the most dynamic would be from these depictions.

Judgment and Hope: Ezekiel's prophecies transition from revelations of judgment to visions of hope. All of it illustrated GOD's plan for restoration for His covenant allies. 

Dry Bones Vision: Ezekiel 37 was quite the bombshell thrown! What?! This scene describes an image of dry bones coming to life, symbolizing Israel's future resurrection and restoration, emphasizing GOD's ability to give new life. 

New Covenant (Brit Chadasha): Ezekiel speaks of a new covenant where GOD's Spirit would dwell continually within His people, leading to a new heart and spirit, fulfilling the promise of restoration. How wonderful is that?!

Spiritual Renewal: The imagery of renewal and restoration is central to GOD’s Message through Ezekiel. Those words highlighted (and still highlights) GOD's power to bring life from death and the regeneration. 

Together, these subjects illustrate the transformative nature of GOD's plan for restoration and renewal for His people.

NOTE: Restoration in a friendship involves a combination of communication, understanding, and effort. There are many friendships that are in the middle of a split because of misunderstanding, sin and failure to apologize.  That is childish, right. It happens though

• Acknowledge the friendship you have and its significance in your life. 

• Seek the source and investigate what may have caused the rift and consider the role YOU may have played in it. 

• Making time to talk openly and honestly with communication can help resolve your dispute and hopefully foster growth. 

NOTE: Restoration is a journey that requires effort and commitment from both parties. It is not always guaranteed to be successful, but it can lead to deeper trust and understanding between friends. 

NOTE: What restoration looks like in a marriage may sometimes be a forgotten art or an overlook change. If positive steps are taken, something good is going on underneath and behind the scenes. Rebuilding in a marriage is a gradual process that involves rediscovering the joy and love that once existed. It may not always be visible or easy to see, but it can be felt in the way couples interact, communicate, and spend time together.

NOTE: Renewal is not a one-size-fits-all process; it varies from couple to couple. However, the core principles of rediscovering love, improving communication, spending quality time, and learning to appreciate each other remain constant. 

Once more, restoration in the Bible symbolizes healing, renewal, and the re-establishment of what was lost.