RESTORATION

Genesis 45:27 But when they told him all the words of Joseph, which he had said to them, and when he saw the wagons that Joseph had sent to carry him, the spirit of their father Jacob revived.

Simplified Declaration: There is an uninterrupted relationship between what we see and hear and the health and wellness of our highest hopes as we pursue a holy and happy life.

Amplified Explanation: The human spirit has an inconceivable proficiency for resiliency. It is the human spirit that prevails in punctuating the thickening plot line in the story of good overcoming evil. When hope is deferred to the point of consigning the soul to surrender, it is the spirit that perpetually clenches on to our long lost dreams and desires.

However self-sustaining the human spirit is that God breathed into us, it is essential that its nucleus is nurtured. Our spirits sustainability is continually re-created by a variety of life-giving birthplaces; God, family, friendships, words, respect, gifts, hope, affections, provisions, services, memories, faith, imagination, honor, food, opportunities, love, music, favor, celebrations, etc. Yet it is the trusted words and actions of deep seated personal relationships that have the properties to revive the human spirit.

When our spirit through any one of these gateways is stimulated, it is endowed with the energy of a nuclear reactor core. Our spirit as it is re-awakened synthesizes within the imagination the in-congruent pain of the past with the re-imaged certainties of the present to bring about a renaissance. This newly resurgent self is renovated by a kaleidoscope of hope, a telescope of faith and a microscope of love. A revived human spirit is infectious with the life of the original design, desire, dream and destiny of the divine.

Life of Jesus: Jesus’ words (your sins are forgiven you) and his actions (writing on the ground) brought about a rebirth to all those who made their way to see him (like Zacchaeus) and touch him (like the woman with issue of blood). His words at the foot of Golgatha’s tree to Mary and John brought to them comfort in a time of sorrow. His words (peace be with you) during his resurrection appearances brought Thomas to faith and his actions (making breakfast on the shore) brought reconciliation to Peter.

Prayer: Lord may your life now in me by the Holy Spirit come through me on many occasions through the words of mouth and the actions of my life to revive the spirit of those who are downtrodden, oppressed, and overcome with life’s trials. Christ speak through me, touch through me, love through me, heal through me, revive through me, … Amen.

Questions for Contemplation

1. Why and how are words and actions so powerful in restoring our lives?
2. What are some things that you see and hear that are always uplifting in your life?
3. What kind of words or actions do you use to help restore someone’s hope?
4. Describe a time when your spirit was revived by someone’s words or actions.