Readings: Psalm 80:1-7, 17-19; 2 Samuel 7:23-29; John 3:31-36
Restore us, O God of hosts; let your face shine, that we may be saved. [Psalm 80:3, 7, 19, NRSV]
Restoration. As with a row house that’s seen too much neglect, restoration isn’t something that is self-generated. Someone needs to intervene, to put in the time and labor to mend what’s broken and refresh what’s faded. Not demolition followed by new construction, but a rescuing of what once was – restoration. Because what’s loved isn’t razed, even in decrepitude. What’s loved is brought back to life – restored.
God’s love for us must be infinite. Why else would God restore us rather than give up on us and start again? Why else would God come to us as one of our own?