Scriptural Teachings for Contemporary Evangelical Settings
Scripture conveys there is a clear distinction between the terms (a) restoration, which often involves lament, (b) thanksgiving, (c) praise, and (d) worship (see Psa. 95:6-7; Psa. 100:2-7; et al.). Deeply interconnected themes in the Scriptures, lament of one's sinfulness before God elicits a Spirit response of restoration through Christ, which brings believers into a right relationship with God, enabling us to experience joy and hope along with the ability to worship Him in spirit and truth. Worship, therefore, is the human response to God's restorative work in us. Recognizing this restorative work moves us to express gratitude, thanksgiving, praise, reverence, and commitment to His will.
Part 1/4 (below) breaks down the essential element of lament, which prompts the Spirit of restoration through Christ.
Part 1/4 (below) breaks down the essential element of lament, which prompts the Spirit of restoration through Christ.
Restoration
Restoration in a biblical context refers to the act of God bringing His people back to a state of spiritual health, prosperity, and right relationship with Him. This theme is prevalent throughout the Scriptures, highlighting God's redemptive plan for humanity and His desire to restore what has been broken by sin.
In the Old Testament, restoration often involved lament--a prayer expressing sorrow, pain, and/or confusion; the chief way God expects us to process grief in His presence. It was lament that returned the Israelites from exile and initiated the rebuilding of their nation. A key example is the return from Babylonian captivity, as prophesied by Jeremiah: "For I will restore you to health and heal your wounds,' declares the Lord, 'because they have called you an outcast, saying: it is Zion, for whom no one cares'" (Jer. 30:17). This promise of restoration is fulfilled in the books of Ezra and Nehemiah, where the Israelites rebuild the temple and the walls of Jerusalem, signifying a renewal of their covenant relationship with God.
Lament is the means by which God forms His people into His Image before restoration. The scriptural process involves a season of grieving where we:
- Recognize God's wisdom and our finiteness.
- Learn to trust God through our sadness.
- Understand more of God's grace and love.
- Become aware of the grief and brokenness of others.
- In time, begin to walk alongside Jesus, in agreement with God the Father.
Four (4) items show up in most every biblical lament, though not every lament contains these elements in scripture:
- A recurring, committed turning to the Lord in both joy and sorrow
(see Psa. 4:1).
- A bringing of tearful complaints (e.g., lament = godly complaint) before the Lord
(see Psa. 94:3).
- A prayerful, bold request for God to intervene according to His character
(see Heb. 4:16; Psa. 17:13-14).
- A heartfelt decision to cling to the Lord of steadfast love, knowing He will keep His promises
(see Psa. 31:14). It is here that restoration of our covenant with God begins anew with Christ.
Now, the concept of restoration is not limited to physical or national renewal, but extends to spiritual restoration. The Psalms frequently express a longing for personal restoration: "Restore to me the joy of Your salvation, and sustain me with a willing spirit" (Psa. 51:12). This plea reflects the believer's desire for a restored relationship with God through Christ, and characterized by joy, gladness, and persistent obedience.
In the New Testament, restoration is central to the message of Jesus Christ. Through His death and resurrection, Jesus provides the ultimate means of restoration for humanity, reconciling us to God. The Apostle Peter speaks of this in Acts 3:21, referring to Jesus: "Heaven must take Him in until the time comes for the restoration of all things, which God announced long ago through His holy prophets." This eschatological restoration points to the future renewal of creation and the establishment of God's eternal kingdom.
In the Old Testament, restoration often involved lament--a prayer expressing sorrow, pain, and/or confusion; the chief way God expects us to process grief in His presence. It was lament that returned the Israelites from exile and initiated the rebuilding of their nation. A key example is the return from Babylonian captivity, as prophesied by Jeremiah: "For I will restore you to health and heal your wounds,' declares the Lord, 'because they have called you an outcast, saying: it is Zion, for whom no one cares'" (Jer. 30:17). This promise of restoration is fulfilled in the books of Ezra and Nehemiah, where the Israelites rebuild the temple and the walls of Jerusalem, signifying a renewal of their covenant relationship with God.
Lament is the means by which God forms His people into His Image before restoration. The scriptural process involves a season of grieving where we:
- Recognize God's wisdom and our finiteness.
- Learn to trust God through our sadness.
- Understand more of God's grace and love.
- Become aware of the grief and brokenness of others.
- In time, begin to walk alongside Jesus, in agreement with God the Father.
Four (4) items show up in most every biblical lament, though not every lament contains these elements in scripture:
- A recurring, committed turning to the Lord in both joy and sorrow
(see Psa. 4:1).
- A bringing of tearful complaints (e.g., lament = godly complaint) before the Lord
(see Psa. 94:3).
- A prayerful, bold request for God to intervene according to His character
(see Heb. 4:16; Psa. 17:13-14).
- A heartfelt decision to cling to the Lord of steadfast love, knowing He will keep His promises
(see Psa. 31:14). It is here that restoration of our covenant with God begins anew with Christ.
Now, the concept of restoration is not limited to physical or national renewal, but extends to spiritual restoration. The Psalms frequently express a longing for personal restoration: "Restore to me the joy of Your salvation, and sustain me with a willing spirit" (Psa. 51:12). This plea reflects the believer's desire for a restored relationship with God through Christ, and characterized by joy, gladness, and persistent obedience.
In the New Testament, restoration is central to the message of Jesus Christ. Through His death and resurrection, Jesus provides the ultimate means of restoration for humanity, reconciling us to God. The Apostle Peter speaks of this in Acts 3:21, referring to Jesus: "Heaven must take Him in until the time comes for the restoration of all things, which God announced long ago through His holy prophets." This eschatological restoration points to the future renewal of creation and the establishment of God's eternal kingdom.
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