Daily devotion – the ministry of restoration
This coming Wednesday night before prayer we are back in Genesis chapter 43 as we see Joseph’s brothers, minus Simeon, who is being held under house arrest in Egypt, return for more grain. But this time accompanying them is Joseph’s brother from their mother Rachel, Benjamin.
There is a wonderful drama played out between Joseph and his brothers with them still completely unaware that the man they are speaking to is Joseph their brother!
We are given a privileged view into a heart of compassion and grace as we see how Joseph eventually reveals his true identity to his brothers. Ending with tears, hugging and a beautiful restoration!
I am reminded by this story, of Paul’s words in the book of Galatians that gives us direction as to how to bring restoration when there has been a break in relationships by sin.
Galatians 6:1 “Brethren, if a man is overtaken in any trespass, you who are spiritual restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness, considering yourself lest you also be tempted. 2 Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ. 3 For if anyone thinks himself to be something, when he is nothing, he deceives himself. 4 But let each one examine his own work, and then he will have rejoicing in himself alone, and not in another. 5 For each one shall bear his own load.”
It is incumbent on the person who is walking with God to be the restorer. It’s not a matter of who is at fault or blame.
This is so important in the marriage relationship.
It is a matter of God’s grace and love being the foundation to seek a mending of that which has been broken. It is significant that the word Paul uses here in verse 1 – restore– is the same word used to describe the resetting carefully of a broken bone or the repair of a broken fishing net.
It cannot be rushed, be abrupt, but it describes an action of careful and gentle precision to fix that which has been damaged.
Now to attempt to be the restorer in your own strength is asking for the impossible and will lead to only more damage if you do so. To be a restorer we must have our lives and our hearts full of God’s grace and forgiveness. To see the brother or sister who is at fault as someone that you could easily fill their shoes with by your own failures or shortcomings.
This week, seek the Lord carefully if you are attempting to be the ‘spiritual; one on a mission to restore. Only by the power of the Holy Spirit moving and being real in your own life can you fill that role.
However, let us not shy away from such a mission, let each one of us seek to be one who can bring gentle restoration to a soul that is hurting!