Restoration

I enjoy the home restoration shows. They have multiplied through the years since “This Old House” first aired in 1979. There is something about seeing life come back into a structure that has been deteriorating. If it’s an old family homestead, there are memories revived of years gone by. There can be mixed feelings of nostalgia, joy, sadness, hope for the future… and intimidation facing all the work that needs to be done.

This Sunday we will be continuing the journey with God’s people as they returned home to the promised land after 70 years in exile. They were filled with both joy and sorrow as they returned and saw the devastation of the land that they loved and the temple where they had worshipped. They had been restored to their land, now they had to restore and rebuild what had been destroyed and neglected. God was with them. God moved the heart of King Cyrus to not just give them permission to return but the supplies and support to rebuild the temple. Even their neighbors contributed by giving them gifts to help them rebuild. (Ezra 1:1-10)

We will join in the joyful celebration and laughter expressed in Psalm 126, a psalm of ascent sung as God’s people returned to the land and gathered to worship at the temple. God was restoring their hearts as well as their home.

Sermon Title: A Home of Restoration
Scripture for Sunday: Ezra 1:1-10 & Ps 126