Return, restoration & a time to rejoice
Our church, along with many others, recently “reopened” for public gatherings after eight weeks of “online gatherings”. Though we had continued to celebrate our oneness and spiritual connection through the “shutdown” period, the opportunity of coming back together physically and in one place brought new meaning to a welcoming sign we’ve had on the front of our building for a long time that quotes Psalm 122:1: “I rejoiced when they said, ‘Let us go to the House of the Lord”!
We have made a practice for years of emphasizing gratitude for the freedom of gathering together in worship, and never taking it for granted. But this period of choosing to “keep our distance” in consideration of others above ourselves has greatly increased our appreciation for that freedom! The experience of being back together is cause for even greater rejoicing than normal, and has changed our perspective on that which is truly essential or a priority in our lives.
In addition to being able to return to physical gatherings, experiencing the restoration
of many things we’ve missed also multiplies our reasons for rejoicing! Through these we are experiencing the modern-day fulfillment of God’s words through the prophet Jeremiah: “This
is what the LORD says: ‘You say about this place, “It is a desolate waste, without people or animals.” Yet in the towns of Judah and the streets of Jerusalem that are deserted, inhabited by neither people nor animals, there will be heard once more the sounds of joy and gladness, the voices of bride and bride-groom, and the voices of those who bring thank offerings to the house of the LORD, saying, “Give thanks to the LORD Almighty, for the LORD is good; his love endures forever.” For I will restore the fortunes of the land as they were before,’ says the LORD (33:10-11)!
And so, “Return & Restoration Rejoicing” is both confirmation and affirmation that God keeps His promises, and that He has — and will continue to - work His good and pleasing will in and through the lives of those who love Him and trust Him! I encourage you to do just that, so that we might continue rejoicing together for all of eternity — when the ultimate “return and restoration” are fulfilled!
Pastor Jon L. Pomeroy can be reached at Sandpoint Church of God, 221 S. Division Ave., Sandpoint; by calling 208-263-6629; or by email at info@sandpointchurchofGod.org.