Hope and Peace: The Promise of Restoration

 

Summary

The sermon delivered during the HCC Sunday Morning Service, though the pastor's name is not discernible from the title, delves into the profound themes of hope, restoration, and peace as promised in the biblical book of Isaiah. The speaker paints a vivid picture of a future where the blind see, the deaf hear, and the lame walk, a time when God will bring order and peace, fulfilling His promises. The audience is encouraged to trust in this vision of restoration, where even the most foolish will not stray from the path of holiness.

The sermon acknowledges the complexity of Isaiah, written during a tumultuous period when the Northern Kingdom of Israel faced Assyrian aggression and the Southern Kingdom of Judah lived in fear. Despite the prophecies of doom, Isaiah offers a refrain of hope, foretelling a Messiah who will bring righteousness and peace. The speaker connects this ancient longing to our modern desire for peace amidst broken relationships and injustice, urging believers to be agents of peace and reconciliation.

Personal stories are shared, including the speaker's experience of being fired from a pastoral role and the subsequent journey towards forgiveness and peace. This narrative underscores the sermon's call for personal responsibility in healing relationships. The significance of Jesus as the promised Messiah is highlighted, with His coming fulfilling the prophecies and offering peace with God, answering the deep longings of humanity.

The sermon also features a family lighting the second Candle for Peace, reading from Micah and emphasizing Jesus as the ultimate gift of peace. The congregation is encouraged to find rest in God amidst the busyness of the season. The speaker reflects on the world's uncertainty at the time of Jesus' birth, yet assures that Jesus' second coming will complete the restoration process.

The concept of peace is explored in depth, with the speaker explaining that biblical peace, or "Shalom," is about wholeness and restoration, not merely the absence of conflict. The sermon concludes with an invitation to seek restitution in relationships and to rest in the peace that Jesus offers, looking forward to the perfect justice He will bring in the future.

Key Takeaways:

- The biblical vision of peace and restoration is not a mere fantasy but a promise from God that instills hope in the midst of our current troubles. The imagery of healing and wholeness in Isaiah serves as a powerful reminder that God's plan encompasses the ultimate redemption of all creation. [49:32]

- Isaiah's prophecies reveal a dual message of judgment and hope, with the promise of a Messiah central to the narrative. This Messiah, Jesus, is the embodiment of God's commitment to restore righteousness and peace, demonstrating that divine love and justice are inseparable. [48:31]

- Our unfulfilled desires and the brokenness we experience in this world point to a deeper yearning for a reality beyond what we see. C.S. Lewis's insight suggests that our longing for peace and justice is an echo of our true home with God, where all will be made right. [01:05:05]

- The act of seeking peace and reconciliation, as exemplified by the speaker's personal story of reaching out to the pastor who fired them, is a testament to the transformative power of forgiveness. It challenges us to take the initiative in healing relationships, reflecting the reconciling work of Christ. [01:08:48]

- The tension of Advent, celebrating Jesus' first coming while anticipating His return, encapsulates the Christian hope. It is in this tension that we find the strength to pursue peace and justice in the present, trusting that Jesus will ultimately fulfill all things. [01:01:11]

Study Guide

### Bible Study Discussion Guide

#### Bible Reading
1. Isaiah 35:5-10 (ESV)
> Then the eyes of the blind shall be opened, and the ears of the deaf unstopped; then shall the lame man leap like a deer, and the tongue of the mute sing for joy. For waters break forth in the wilderness, and streams in the desert; the burning sand shall become a pool, and the thirsty ground springs of water; in the haunt of jackals, where they lie down, the grass shall become reeds and rushes. And a highway shall be there, and it shall be called the Way of Holiness; the unclean shall not pass over it. It shall belong to those who walk on the way; even if they are fools, they shall not go astray. No lion shall be there, nor shall any ravenous beast come up on it; they shall not be found there, but the redeemed shall walk there. And the ransomed of the Lord shall return and come to Zion with singing; everlasting joy shall be upon their heads; they shall obtain gladness and joy, and sorrow and sighing shall flee away.

2. Micah 5:2-5 (ESV)
> But you, O Bethlehem Ephrathah, who are too little to be among the clans of Judah, from you shall come forth for me one who is to be ruler in Israel, whose coming forth is from of old, from ancient days. Therefore he shall give them up until the time when she who is in labor has given birth; then the rest of his brothers shall return to the people of Israel. And he shall stand and shepherd his flock in the strength of the Lord, in the majesty of the name of the Lord his God. And they shall dwell secure, for now he shall be great to the ends of the earth. And he shall be their peace.

3. Ephesians 2:13-14 (ESV)
> But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ. For he himself is our peace, who has made us both one and has broken down in his flesh the dividing wall of hostility.

#### Observation Questions
1. What imagery does Isaiah 35:5-10 use to describe the future restoration and peace that God promises?
2. According to Micah 5:2-5, what is the significance of Bethlehem in the prophecy about the Messiah?
3. How does Ephesians 2:13-14 describe the peace that Jesus brings to believers?
4. In the sermon, what personal story did the speaker share to illustrate the theme of forgiveness and reconciliation? ([01:08:48])

#### Interpretation Questions
1. How does the imagery in Isaiah 35:5-10 help us understand the nature of God's promised restoration and peace?
2. What does the prophecy in Micah 5:2-5 reveal about the character and mission of the Messiah?
3. How does Ephesians 2:13-14 explain the concept of peace in the context of Jesus' sacrifice?
4. Reflecting on the speaker's personal story, what can we learn about the challenges and importance of seeking reconciliation in our relationships? ([01:08:48])

#### Application Questions
1. Isaiah 35:5-10 paints a picture of a future where all things are made right. How can this vision of restoration give you hope in your current struggles?
2. The prophecy in Micah 5:2-5 emphasizes that the Messiah will be our peace. In what areas of your life do you need to invite Jesus to bring peace and order?
3. Ephesians 2:13-14 speaks of Jesus breaking down the dividing wall of hostility. Are there any relationships in your life where you need to work towards breaking down barriers and fostering peace?
4. The speaker shared a personal story of reaching out for reconciliation after being wronged. Is there someone in your life you need to seek forgiveness from or offer forgiveness to? ([01:08:48])
5. The sermon highlighted the importance of being agents of peace and reconciliation. What practical steps can you take this week to promote peace in your family, workplace, or community? ([01:07:26])
6. Reflecting on the tension of Advent, how can you balance celebrating Jesus' first coming with the anticipation of His return in your daily life? ([01:04:19])
7. The concept of "Shalom" involves wholeness and restoration. What specific actions can you take to contribute to the wholeness and well-being of those around you this holiday season? ([38:35])

Devotional

Day 1: Hope Amidst Current Troubles
God's promise of restoration and peace is a beacon of hope that shines through the darkest of our current struggles, reminding us that He is working towards the redemption of all creation. This hope is not a fleeting dream but a steadfast anchor, deeply rooted in the divine assurance that the future holds a time of healing and wholeness for all. [49:32]

Isaiah 35:5-6 - "Then will the eyes of the blind be opened and the ears of the deaf unstopped. Then will the lame leap like a deer, and the mute tongue shout for joy. Water will gush forth in the wilderness and streams in the desert."
Reflection: In what areas of your life do you need to embrace God's promise of restoration and allow hope to overcome despair?

Day 2: The Messiah's Dual Message
The prophecies of Isaiah carry a dual message of judgment and hope, culminating in the coming of a Messiah who embodies righteousness and peace. This Messiah, Jesus, is the fulfillment of God's unwavering commitment to restore a broken world, intertwining divine love with justice in a way that transforms our understanding of both. [48:31]

Isaiah 11:4-5 - "But with righteousness he will judge the needy, with justice he will give decisions for the poor of the earth. He will strike the earth with the rod of his mouth; with the breath of his lips he will slay the wicked. Righteousness will be his belt and faithfulness the sash around his waist."
Reflection: How can you actively participate in bringing about righteousness and peace in your community, reflecting the justice and love of Jesus?

Day 3: Longing for Our True Home
Our deepest desires and the brokenness we witness are echoes of our yearning for a reality that transcends our current existence. This longing points us towards our true home with God, where peace and justice will be fully realized, and all things will be made right. [01:05:05]

Hebrews 11:13-16 - "All these people were still living by faith when they died. They did not receive the things promised; they only saw them and welcomed them from a distance, admitting that they were foreigners and strangers on earth. People who say such things show that they are looking for a country of their own. If they had been thinking of the country they had left, they would have had opportunity to return. Instead, they were longing for a better country—a heavenly one. Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God, for he has prepared a city for them."
Reflection: What unfulfilled desires do you have, and how can they be redirected to fuel your pursuit of a deeper relationship with God?

Day 4: The Power of Forgiveness
Forgiveness is a powerful force that can transform relationships and reflect the reconciling work of Christ. Taking personal responsibility to seek peace and reconciliation, even in difficult circumstances, is a testament to the transformative power of God's grace in our lives. [01:08:48]

Colossians 3:12-13 - "Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you."
Reflection: Can you identify a relationship in need of healing, and what steps can you take today to initiate reconciliation?

Day 5: Advent's Tension and Christian Hope
The season of Advent embodies the tension between celebrating Jesus' first coming and anticipating His return. This period of waiting strengthens our resolve to pursue peace and justice now, with the assurance that Jesus will ultimately fulfill all things. [01:01:11]

James 5:7-8 - "Be patient, then, brothers and sisters, until the Lord’s coming. See how the farmer waits for the land to yield its valuable crop, patiently waiting for the autumn and spring rains. You too, be patient and stand firm, because the Lord’s coming is near."
Reflection: How can the anticipation of Jesus' return inspire you to act justly and promote peace in your daily life?

Quotes

"There is this sense of as human beings we crave justice and righteousness and order and completion and restoration and things to be set right, but we look around and there's a severe lack of that." [47:11] (Download)

"In so far as we have the opportunity to make whole, to make complete, to bring about some sense of peace, let's do our best to do that this holiday season. Let's be agents of Peace because Jesus coming means that we can have peace with God." [01:12:42] (Download)

"It is easy to think about all of the other people that need to take steps to do this thing... but I cannot control what anybody does but me." [01:09:25] (Download)

"I don't hold any animosity, I don't hold any grudge... there may have been things that I said or did even unintentionally that contributed to hurt and it's on me to be an agent of that peace and to make restoration where I can." [01:10:45] (Download)

"Part of experiencing God's peace, especially here at Advent, is it opens our eyes to all of the ways that we have not yet quite perfectly experienced God's peace that he offers." [01:05:05] (Download)

"Jesus coming means we can have peace with God, but also we are meant to be agents of that peace right now, even as we look towards a hope of a perfect peace that he will bring someday." [01:07:26] (Download)

"There is coming a day when God himself will come and make everything right and bring order and restoration and, in a word, peace." [52:45] (Download)

"Peace is about making things whole, complete, and right again." [36:33] (Download)

"Peace also brings this idea of order, peace has to do with things being sort of organized, lined up, expected... there is something in us that craves this idea of things being made right, that longs for God to put everything in its proper place." [43:36] (Download)

"We can have faith and trust in a God who is who he says he is and will do what he promised he would, and that is the peace that the Messiah brought." [01:01:11] (Download)

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Transcript
What was the most surprising thing in this sermon?
Were there any personal stories shared?