Renewed

7 Jul

I will bring about the restoration of my people Israel;
they shall rebuild and inhabit their ruined cities,
Plant vineyards and drink the wine,
set out gardens and eat the fruits.
I will plant them upon their own ground;
never again shall they be plucked
From the land I have given them,
say I, the LORD, your God.  (Amos 9:14-15)

God’s people waited a long time for the fulfillment of a number of prophecies.  Many of them centered around the hope, as stated in the reading from Amos this morning, that they would, once again, be a people who had a land to call their own.

Remember, these were a people who, for many generations, were without a land.  They had found themselves in slavery, toiling under the rule of Egypt.

When they were released from Egypt, they wandered for a long time in desert lands, being assailed by many tribes and nations.

Their future looked bleak.

They had no place to call their own.

But, God promised them a place and it was that place for which they longed.

We all know what it is like to have a place of our own.  There are certain places we go that practically call out to us, “Home!”  When we arrive at those destinations, we feel a sense of peace, security, and rootedness.

We can only be truly rooted, though, in the Lord.  If we try to find or make a place on our own, we will fail.

FAITH ACTION:  Of all the things and places that call to you, is the Lord God the center of that place?  Look around your own home.  Is there a crucifix placed prominently so that you may reflect upon the redemption wrought for you by Jesus?  Is there religious art?  Are there religious books, including a Bible, that are not only available but actually used?