June 5, 2009
~Denise Grant
“To do what is right and just is more acceptable to the Lord than sacrifice.” Proverbs 21:3 NIV
Even though making a right restitution for our sins takes great effort and true humility – it sets our soul and spirit free.
Something to Think About:
~ Have you ever stolen or lied about something and that burden weighed heavy on your heart?
~Did you attempt to right the wrong? Were you successful or did you give up?
~What is the hardest thing about restitution – the making “right” of it, or the swallowing of your pride?
“The Lord said to Moses, ‘Say to the Israelites: ‘when a man or woman wrongs another in any way and so is unfaithful to the Lord, that person is guilty and must confess the sin he has committed. He must make full restitution for his wrong, add one fifth to it and give it all to the person he has wronged.’” Numbers 5:5-7 When you have wronged others, you need to immediately look for ways to make things right - in addition to apologizing (which should be first). Don’t let Satan convince you, that you are the victim. Even if you are the one who has been wronged, you should still seek restoration and look for ways to restore peace rather than striking out in vengeance.
If you grew up in church, I’m sure you remember the song about Zacchaeus? “Zacchaeus was a wee little man, a wee little man was he. So he climbed up in a sycamore tree for the Lord he wanted to see”. Like the Grinch from Dr. Seuss, what was truly small about Zacchaeus, was his heart. A corrupt tax collector, he stole from his own people on behalf of the Romans, and as a result, they despised him and he despised them too.
Zacchaeus wanted something more – something bigger – in his life. He didn’t want more money. He wanted to love and be loved, and that all became reality when Jesus entered his life.
Zacchaeus opened his home to Jesus – and also to those he once despised. Unlike the rich young ruler who loved money more than people, Zacchaeus also opened his wallet and paid back even more than he had stolen! This “wee’ little man is still the model of restitution today. Have you wronged someone close to you? Someone you love?
One key symptom of an encounter with God is a desire to make things right with people you have hurt. It’s not easy to pay back an old debt or give a long-overdue apology – but it’s worth it to know that your life reflects God’s presence in your heart.
God Will:
Honor acts of restitution – “And if I say to the wicked man, ‘You will surely die,’ but he then turns away from his sin and does what is just and right – if he gives back what he took in pledge for a loan, returns what he has stolen, follows the decrees that give life, and does no evil, he will surely live; he will not die.’” Ezekiel 33:14-15
Bless those who are honest – “Consider the blameless, observe the upright; there is a future for the man of peace.” Psalm 37:37
Develop your character – “Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him.” James 1:4-5
Forgive you – “This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins.” Matthew 26:28
Unfortunately, not all wrongs can be made right. But in many cases, we can release a huge burden from our hearts by paying back a debt we have incurred.
Ask God to grant you clarity and courage to bring closure to an unresolved wrong in your past – or present.
Heavenly Father,
I ask You today for clarity with the wrong I’ve caused in my life to those I love. I ask You for the courage to do whatever it takes to make my wrongs, right. I also ask You for the peace that only You give as You bring in closure in restitution. Thank You for forgiving all my sins and allowing me to right the wrong in my relationship with You. In Jesus name, Amen.
Denise Grant - Just "clay" in the Master Potter's hands.
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