Daily Scripture Threshing for Tuesday, October 2, 2024
Today’s Text: Joel 2:23-27
Key Verse: Joel 2:25 (ESV): "I will restore to you the years that the swarming locust has eaten, the hopper, the destroyer, and the cutter, my great army, which I sent among you."
A few years ago, an angry distraught man broke into St. Peter's Cathedral in Rome with a hammer and began to smash Michelangelo's beautiful sculpture, The Pieta. Two cherished works of art were severely damaged. But that did not make the officials to throw the art away. They gave them to the best experts, who worked with the utmost care and precision, and made every effort to restore the treasures.
In an old Scottish mansion had walls filled with paintings made by distinguished artists; but, once, a pitcher of soda water was accidentally spilled by a guest on a painting, which left an unsightly stain. When artist Lord Landseer visited the house, he decided to stay behind and fix the error when the family went out to the moors. With a few masterful strokes of a piece of charcoal, he restored the painting in to a beautiful waterfall, bordered by trees and wildlife.
God, by His sovereign grace, can bring good out of our failures, and even out of our sins. He masters the art of restoration. "I will restore to you the years that the swarming locust has eaten." He says. This is a promise from God to restore what has been lost or destroyed in our lives. In context, the book of Joel describes a severe locust plague that devastated Israel's crops, leading to famine and despair. But God was not going to give up on His people. He promises to restore what's been lost, redeem the time wasted and revive what was destroyed. God is aware of our suffering and loss, and promises restoration, not just recovery.
Agricultural loss was used as a metaphor for our emotional and spiritual struggles, our lost opportunities and wasted years. Beloved, God can restore what's been lost or damaged in our lives and nation. If we trust and return to Him, He will redeem the time and circumstances, and bring new life and growth. Have you experienced loss or feels like years have been wasted? Hold onto God's promise. He can restore and redeem your life, bringing new purpose and growth.
Action Steps: Identify areas of loss or stagnation in your life. Acknowledge the pain and struggles. Recognize and trust God's sovereignty and power to restore.
Quote for the Day: "If you were the curator ofan art and your very life is art. What would you do if it was marred? Trash it or turn it over to the hand of Master restorer?" (Simon Olatunji #quotablequote).
Prayer: I come to You with a humble heart, acknowledging the areas of my life where I've experienced loss and stagnation. Please help me?, Lord l, to restore the years that the locusts have eaten. Redeem the time I've wasted, revive my spirit, and renew my purpose. Restore my relationships, health, and finances. Bring new life and growth to the areas that seem barren — in Jesus's most glorious name. Amen.
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Thank you for being part of this journey. For additional reading on today's meditation, read: Isaiah 43:19, Psalm 30:5, and Luke 5:4.
Daily Scripture Threshing is a devotional guide written for free distribution and edification of churches, homes, and individuals. For inquiries, free counseling, or deliverance, please, write or visit: The Darling Bishop, 2321 S Beltline Rd Suite ĺl144 Grand Prairie TX 75051 USA.
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With all my love and prayers,
Rev Simon Wale Olatunji, Ph.D.
Your Darling Bishop (DaBishop)
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