“Restore us to You, O Lord, that we may be restored; Renew our days as of old.” (v.21)
Today’s chapter speaks of the sins of one generation falling upon the next. The “generational” aspect of sin is difficult for many Christians to understand. Although we may think that our actions affect only us, it’s sobering to recognize that sin sets in motion unknown consequences far beyond us.
Chapter 5 also describes daily life for the meager few left in Jerusalem after the exile. The mere fact that this chapter opens with an appeal to the Lord (v.1) highlights the important change in the people’s perspective--they now sought the Lord.
Many people today, not unlike the Israelites, have a tendency not to see the error of their ways, until they experience extreme irreversible negative consequences of their own actions. And like the people of Jerusalem and Judah, their appeal for mercy often comes as a result of losing something of value. In this case, “their inheritance” (which was promised to Abraham and secured by Joshua’s conquest of the Promised Land).
But Israel’s inheritance went far beyond the physical land--it was an outward sign of God’s favor. To lose the land, in some measure, was to lose the Lord. That fear of being forsaken led to an amazing prayer for restoration (v.21). Unfortunately it all to often takes the loss of something to bring us back to God, when just a simple prayer of repentance is all that is required.
The Truth: “Repent, then, return to God, so that your sins may be wiped out, that times of refreshing may come from the LORD.” (Acts 3:19)
Today’s chapter speaks of the sins of one generation falling upon the next. The “generational” aspect of sin is difficult for many Christians to understand. Although we may think that our actions affect only us, it’s sobering to recognize that sin sets in motion unknown consequences far beyond us.
Chapter 5 also describes daily life for the meager few left in Jerusalem after the exile. The mere fact that this chapter opens with an appeal to the Lord (v.1) highlights the important change in the people’s perspective--they now sought the Lord.
Many people today, not unlike the Israelites, have a tendency not to see the error of their ways, until they experience extreme irreversible negative consequences of their own actions. And like the people of Jerusalem and Judah, their appeal for mercy often comes as a result of losing something of value. In this case, “their inheritance” (which was promised to Abraham and secured by Joshua’s conquest of the Promised Land).
But Israel’s inheritance went far beyond the physical land--it was an outward sign of God’s favor. To lose the land, in some measure, was to lose the Lord. That fear of being forsaken led to an amazing prayer for restoration (v.21). Unfortunately it all to often takes the loss of something to bring us back to God, when just a simple prayer of repentance is all that is required.
The Truth: “Repent, then, return to God, so that your sins may be wiped out, that times of refreshing may come from the LORD.” (Acts 3:19)
