Divine Restoration

November 20, 2022

Divine Restoration

By Brooke Holt

“Almighty and everlasting God, whose will it is to restore all things in your well-beloved Son, the King of kings and Lord of lords: Mercifully grant that the peoples of the earth, divided and enslaved by sin, may be freed and brought together under his most gracious rule; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.” The Collect, Book of Common Prayer

This Sunday is known as Christ the King Day. It is the last day of the church year before the church transitions to the season of Advent, the beginning of the church year. What a wonderful reminder that the church does not follow the ways or the calendar of the world! Christ the King Day is a glorious reminder that Jesus came into this world to establish his kingdom, and he will return to reign as the true King. In the meantime, the church waits, prays, and longs for Jesus to fulfill his promise to come again.

The Collect for today looks for the kingdom of God while acknowledging the present state of the church and the world. We are divided people; that is quite apparent in the breakdown of families, the turmoil within our government, and the ongoing divisions of our churches. We are people enslaved by sin. Addiction is rampant throughout society, and mental health counselors are in such demand these days that they have waiting lists. Many people have lost hope.

Although the Book of Common Prayer was originally written in 1549, the prayer is still applicable today. We desperately need Jesus! We need his healing, freedom, and restoration. We need to come together under his rule and focus on his kingdom. It takes a miracle to see this kingdom work, but the Holy Spirit can work miracles.

Today, will you join Christians throughout the world in praying and asking the Spirit to do a mighty work in us, to bring this prayer into our lives? As we read and pray, it is God’s will to restore all things! May that truth be our hope and sustenance every day until the kingdom of God is fully established among us. Today and every day, we are blessed to celebrate that Jesus Christ is the King of all kings!

Reflection:

How is Jesus inviting you to pray for his kingdom here on the earth and his kingdom to come? We would love to hear your thoughts in the comments.

Recommended Resource:

Advent is like celebrating a national holiday in a foreign land — like observing the 4th of July as an expatriate. Locals do not understand the fuss. Advent is equal parts cherishing and missing home. AND it’s a mix of loving this world while getting ready to leave it behind. This makes Advent the most human and most complex celebration we have. Isaiah the prophet, David the psalmist, Paul the apostle, John the Baptist, Mary, Joseph, and Jesus all lived in one world and longed for the next. They loved this world and loved the world to come even more. In these 28 devotions in Face the Dawn, join them in wearing the paradox of Christianity- this world may be our home, but that world is HOME.

Prepare the Way