All Things New!

This is the message from Isaiah: “Your ancient ruins shall be rebuilt; you shall raise up the foundations of many generations; you shall be called the repairer of the breach, the restorer of streets to live in” (Isaiah 58:12).

Recently, as I view the devastation news scenes from Ukraine, I have wondered how on earth will the people of that land rebuild their towns villages and cities. I wonder how much those of faith, having read Isaiah’s prophecy, can possibly believe that the structures of their society could ever be rebuilt.

I recently read of a conversation between two church men. Jim Corley met his friend, Alex, at the car dealership where Alex worked and the conversation went like this.

“Jim, I feel like a hypocrite every time I go to church because I fail to live for Christ so often.”

“Alex, what do you call this part of the dealership?” Jim asked, nodding to the area outside his cubicle.

“You mean the showroom?”

“Yes. And what’s behind the showroom, past the parts counter?

“The service department,” Alex said confidently.

“What if I told you I didn’t want to bring my car to the service department because it was running rough,” Jim asked.

“That would be crazy! That’s the whole point of service departments—to fix cars that aren’t running right.”

“You’re absolutely right,” Jim replied. “Now, let’s get back to our initial conversation. Instead of thinking of church as a showroom where image is everything, start thinking of it as God’s service department. Helping people get back in running order with God is what the church is all about.”

I wonder whether Isaiah is talking about ruined buildings or ruined lives?

O Breath of life, come sweeping through us,

revive your church with life and pow'r;

O Breath of Life, come, cleanse, renew us,

and fit your church to meet this hour.

O Wind of God, come bend us, break us,

till humbly we confess our need;

then in your tenderness remake us,

revive, restore, for this we plead.

O Breath of love, come breathe within us,

renewing thought and will and heart;

come, Love of Christ, afresh to win us,

revive your church in ev'ry part.

O Heart of Christ, once broken for us,

'tis there we find our strength and rest;

our broken, contrite hearts now solace,

and let your waiting church be blest.

Revive us, Lord! Is zeal abating 

while harvest fields are vast and white?

Revive us, Lord, the world is waiting,

equip your church to spread the light.

Bessie Porter Head