Is there a point where restoration is no longer viable? In the world of restoring housing, restoring marriages, restoring assets and restoring health, there’s a limit. We weigh the costs and outcomes, and decide whether it’s even worth it. Sometimes things are so broken, so messed up, so expensive, so worthless that restoration is no longer an option. Sometimes we try to restore things and the outcome does not do any justice to how it once was.
Our text today speaks of the justice of God coming in the form of restoration. Justice can be seen as a way of being or living that allows life to thrive. Allow Life To Thrive! Amos is relentless in pointing out to us that God is a God of justice. For God, there is no cut-off or limit for when restoration is no longer viable. God’s grace raises up, rebuilds, plants and gives life; the promise of restoration that our lives will thrive.
O God of justice and restoration, may we trust in your promises. In the face of ruins and destruction, raise us up. When we fall and crumble, remind us of your blueprints to make all things new. Amen. — MP