Thursday, April 09, 2015

Renew Part Four


Lamentations 5:21
* The footnote in my Bible mentions that this chapter is a prayer by Jeremiah for the people.

It strikes me that this is nearly the last verse of Lamentations. The entire book is a lament, full of sorrow, a visual reminder of what it means to live away from God's ways - it is one last request/plea for restoration and renewal.

Think of that word renew. What does it mean? Here is what came to mind for me:
- to return to how something used to be
- to begin a new focus/energy
- to extend
- new life
- make new again


Habakkuk 3:2

- Another prayer, this is a beautiful request by Habakkuk
- He is specifically asking for a renewal of God's deeds

Job 14:14, "I will wait for my renewal..."
- notes here that the word renewal could also mean release

Isaiah 57:10

- "You were wearied by all your ways..."
This passage has been God talking to His people about their sin.

- "... but you would not say, 'it is hopeless.'"
Does this mean they would not come to the point of admitting their errors to God?

- "...you found renewal of your strength and so you did not faint."
Where did this renewal of strength come from? I would venture to say it was not from God because they were in the midst of sin and not seeking Him. Perhaps this was a false renewal as it was based in strength of self. True renewal cannot exclude God!


Matthew 19:28

Things I notice:

- Jesus is talking
- He tells us when this will be: when the Son of Man sits on His glorious throne

- Consider what will be renewed - He says ALL THINGS
:: our bodies
:: our earth
:: no sin
:: no death
:: no sadness
:: perfection, peace, harmony
:: what God originally intended for us
:: we will be with Him

1 comment:

Denise H said...

Ah yes! All things will be renewed! And isn't it an amazing thought that we can have this renewing, this washing of the water of the Word, at any moment? Loving your thoughts on this topic.