Our scripture today is Amos 9:14 (ESV).
I will restore the fortunes of my people Israel, and they shall rebuild the ruined cities and inhabit them; they shall plant vineyards and drink their wine, and they shall make gardens and eat their fruit.
Restoration is both God’s plea and promise. He wants to restore the relationship we had with Him at Creation, but our sinful ways get in the way. This is what provokes the sad cycle we have created here on Earth. Bible scholar Tim Mackie (one of the creators of the BibleProject) calls this the Exodus Road cycle. We sin, and God cannot abide the presence of sin so we are cast out – first from Eden, then through the Flood, the Exile, the destruction of the Temple by Rome, etc. Through it all God continues to offer us hope and a lasting connection with Him when we repent and return.
Merciful God, we are ashamed of our wickedness but amazed that You call us to restoration with You. Help us to share this message and blessing with the world. Amen.
