This reading is a continuation of yesterday’s. While yesterday we focused on new life, today’s reading speaks of restoration. God’s chosen people – both Israel (the 10 northern tribes) and Judah (the 2 southern tribes) would be restored. This restoration is multifaceted. First, there is reconciliation between Israel and Judah, two nations divided for over 250 years yet all descendants of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. The restoration also includes deliverance from their enemies, the Philistines, Moabites, and Ammonites, even from Egypt; from all those who sought to destroy them. The final part of this restoration is the bringing back the remnant of God’s people who had been scattered.
The promised Messiah, the shoot from the stump of Jesse, is the key to restoration. He restores our relationship with our Father that was broken by sin. By His death and resurrection he delivered us from our enemies of sin, death, and the devil. He brings us all back to Himself where we receive that free gift of forgiveness. Consider these and all the other ways the Messiah, Jesus, has restored you!