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December 28, 2021

The Joy of Restoration

Memory Chikosi   |   Read Jeremiah 31:10-14

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Lectionary Week
December 27–31, 2021
Scripture Overview

The readings for this week are full of praise for God’s gift of Jesus Christ and an emphasis on human helplessness apart from God. Jeremiah portrays an exiled people’s despair turning to joy at their restoration. The psalmist proclaims God’s power to protect and provide for God’s people, and Paul’s letter to the Ephesians explains that God’s will from the beginning has been for our adoption as God’s children through Christ. Praise and thanksgiving to God are the common and appropriate responses to all these mighty acts of God.

Questions and Suggestions for Reflection

Read Jeremiah 31:7-14. How have you been restored by God’s kindness?
Read Psalm 147:12-20. In what ways have you experienced God strengthening and restoring you?
Read Ephesians 1:3-14. How do you set your hope on Christ? How do you live differently because of that hope?

Respond by posting a prayer .

Jeremiah 31:10-14

10 Listen to the LORD’s word, you nations, and announce it to the distant islands: The one who scattered Israel will gather them and keep them safe, as a shepherd his flock. 11 The LORD will rescue the people of Jacob and deliver them from the power of those stronger than they are. 12 They will come shouting for joy on the hills of Zion, jubilant over the LORD’s gifts: grain, wine, oil, flocks, and herds. Their lives will be like a lush garden; they will grieve no more. 13 Then the young women will dance for joy; the young and old men will join in. I will turn their mourning into laughter and their sadness into joy; I will comfort them. 14 I will lavish the priests with abundance and shower my people with my gifts, declares the LORD.

Unless otherwise indicated, scripture quotations are from the Common English Bible. Copyright © 2011 Common English Bible. Used by permission.

The goodness of God brings comfort and joy to God’s people. As Jeremiah continues celebrating restoration, he focuses on recovery of lost stock. Through Jeremiah, God promises to end the people’s suffering, to comfort them, and to restore their joy by granting them a blessed future. God promises to rebuild...

Gracious Lord, ever-loving and forgiving God, I yearn for your goodness and mercy. Turn my mourning into joy. Amen.


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