Post by Les Brewer on Jan 7, 2024 14:45:09 GMT
Ripe for God’s Restoration By: Arthur Jackson
Click here for the Audio Message
Restore us, God Almighty; . . . that we may be saved.
Psalm 80:7
Today's Scripture & Insight :
Psalm 80:1, 7–14, 19
The pictures coming from a friend’s text stream were stunning! Photos of a surprise gift for his wife revealed a restored 1965 Ford Mustang: brilliant, dark blue exterior; sparkling chrome rims; reupholstered black interior; and a motor to match the other upgrades. There were also ‘before’ pictures of the same vehicle—a dull, worn, unimpressive yellow version. While it may be difficult to envision, it’s likely that when the vehicle rolled off the assembly line, it was also an eye-catcher. But time, wear and tear, and other factors had made it ripe for restoration.
Ripe for restoration! Such was the condition of God’s people in Psalm 80 and thus the repeated prayer: “Restore us, O God; make your face shine on us, that we may be saved” (Psalm 80:3; see vv. 7, 19). Though their history had included rescue from Egypt and being planted in a land of plenty (vv. 8–11), the good times had come and gone. Because of rebellion, they were experiencing the hand of God’s judgement (vv. 12–13). Thus, their plea: “Return to us, God Almighty! Look down from heaven and see!” (v. 14).
Do you ever feel dull, distant or disconnected from God? Is joyful soul-satisfaction missing? Is it because alignment with Jesus and His purposes is missing? God hears our prayers for restoration (v. 1). What’s keeping you from asking?
Reflect & Pray
When have you experienced the restorative, reviving work of God? What areas of your life need restoration now?
Father, I long for Your restoration. Help me to see my need for it and to receive it.
SCRIPTURE INSIGHT
Understanding the imagery used in Psalm 80 helps us understand the psalm as well as the One to whom the psalmist appealed. Two different images of the leader of God’s people are wedded together in verse 1: “Hear us, Shepherd of Israel, you who lead Joseph like a flock. You who sit enthroned between the cherubim, shine forth.” Stunningly, the One who can restore both cares like a shepherd and occupies heaven’s throne! The prayer chorus included in the psalm is repeated three times (vv. 3, 7, 19 ) and asks the One who commands and controls the universe to “restore us . . . make your face shine on us, that we may be saved.” The petition echoes the priestly blessing of Numbers 6:25: “The Lord make his face shine on you and be gracious to you.”
Arthur Jackson
Psalm 80:1
King James Version
80 Give ear, O Shepherd of Israel, thou that leadest Joseph like a flock; thou that dwellest between the cherubims, shine forth.
Psalm 80:7-14
King James Version
7 Turn us again, O God of hosts, and cause thy face to shine; and we shall be saved.
8 Thou hast brought a vine out of Egypt: thou hast cast out the heathen, and planted it.
9 Thou preparedst room before it, and didst cause it to take deep root, and it filled the land.
10 The hills were covered with the shadow of it, and the boughs thereof were like the goodly cedars.
11 She sent out her boughs unto the sea, and her branches unto the river.
12 Why hast thou then broken down her hedges, so that all they which pass by the way do pluck her?
13 The boar out of the wood doth waste it, and the wild beast of the field doth devour it.
14 Return, we beseech thee, O God of hosts: look down from heaven, and behold, and visit this vine;
Psalm 80:19
King James Version
19 Turn us again, O Lord God of hosts, cause thy face to shine; and we shall be saved.
Click here for the Audio Message
Restore us, God Almighty; . . . that we may be saved.
Psalm 80:7
Today's Scripture & Insight :
Psalm 80:1, 7–14, 19
The pictures coming from a friend’s text stream were stunning! Photos of a surprise gift for his wife revealed a restored 1965 Ford Mustang: brilliant, dark blue exterior; sparkling chrome rims; reupholstered black interior; and a motor to match the other upgrades. There were also ‘before’ pictures of the same vehicle—a dull, worn, unimpressive yellow version. While it may be difficult to envision, it’s likely that when the vehicle rolled off the assembly line, it was also an eye-catcher. But time, wear and tear, and other factors had made it ripe for restoration.
Ripe for restoration! Such was the condition of God’s people in Psalm 80 and thus the repeated prayer: “Restore us, O God; make your face shine on us, that we may be saved” (Psalm 80:3; see vv. 7, 19). Though their history had included rescue from Egypt and being planted in a land of plenty (vv. 8–11), the good times had come and gone. Because of rebellion, they were experiencing the hand of God’s judgement (vv. 12–13). Thus, their plea: “Return to us, God Almighty! Look down from heaven and see!” (v. 14).
Do you ever feel dull, distant or disconnected from God? Is joyful soul-satisfaction missing? Is it because alignment with Jesus and His purposes is missing? God hears our prayers for restoration (v. 1). What’s keeping you from asking?
Reflect & Pray
When have you experienced the restorative, reviving work of God? What areas of your life need restoration now?
Father, I long for Your restoration. Help me to see my need for it and to receive it.
SCRIPTURE INSIGHT
Understanding the imagery used in Psalm 80 helps us understand the psalm as well as the One to whom the psalmist appealed. Two different images of the leader of God’s people are wedded together in verse 1: “Hear us, Shepherd of Israel, you who lead Joseph like a flock. You who sit enthroned between the cherubim, shine forth.” Stunningly, the One who can restore both cares like a shepherd and occupies heaven’s throne! The prayer chorus included in the psalm is repeated three times (vv. 3, 7, 19 ) and asks the One who commands and controls the universe to “restore us . . . make your face shine on us, that we may be saved.” The petition echoes the priestly blessing of Numbers 6:25: “The Lord make his face shine on you and be gracious to you.”
Arthur Jackson
Psalm 80:1
King James Version
80 Give ear, O Shepherd of Israel, thou that leadest Joseph like a flock; thou that dwellest between the cherubims, shine forth.
Psalm 80:7-14
King James Version
7 Turn us again, O God of hosts, and cause thy face to shine; and we shall be saved.
8 Thou hast brought a vine out of Egypt: thou hast cast out the heathen, and planted it.
9 Thou preparedst room before it, and didst cause it to take deep root, and it filled the land.
10 The hills were covered with the shadow of it, and the boughs thereof were like the goodly cedars.
11 She sent out her boughs unto the sea, and her branches unto the river.
12 Why hast thou then broken down her hedges, so that all they which pass by the way do pluck her?
13 The boar out of the wood doth waste it, and the wild beast of the field doth devour it.
14 Return, we beseech thee, O God of hosts: look down from heaven, and behold, and visit this vine;
Psalm 80:19
King James Version
19 Turn us again, O Lord God of hosts, cause thy face to shine; and we shall be saved.
