Isaiah chapter 58 is squarely in the New Covenant portion of Isaiah. This statement has a double meaning. Yes, it speaks of naturally building up the old waste places, restoring the foundations of many generations and restorer of streets to dwell in, but it also speaks spiritually of the restoration of the breach between creation and creator, between God and man. One of the many earthly missions of the Lord Jesus Christ was to be a mediator of a new and better covenant... to be a mediator between God and humanity, and as disciples of the master, we should be mediator's as well. Paul tells us in 2 Cor 5 that we have the ministry (service) of reconciliation. We should facilitate reconciliation between others and God. How, by proclaiming boldly that humanity has been reconciled by Christ and all should merely believe and accept that reconciliation.
The breach has been repaired. God was in Christ repairing the breach. That is simply another way of saying that "God was in Christ reconciling the world to Himself." The breach is totally and eternally repaired. The question at hand is will we believe it? Will we accept as fact our reconciliation to God? Will we walk daily in that new reality? If and when we do, we will begin to see a transformation never before seen. Too many are waiting for a future completion of something that is already done.
A breach is simply a hole. Something is broken. In this case, the break is in the relationship between God and humanity. Think of a a bridge between humanity and God. Death/mortality and the knowledge of good and evil put a breach in that bridge. The breach does not affect God like it does humans. God is ever present but humans are not aware of it. Therefore, it is like there is no relationship at all. The gospel repairs that breach, and once it is repaired, it should then have an effect on the old waste places. Now I am referring to actual physical waste places. These waste places are most frequently found in the inner cities of America. Yes, it is the result of neglect of many generations of individuals.
This is precisely the way in which the kingdom of God should impact the world's kingdoms. Knowing that the breach has been repaired between us and the Father, should develop a love within us that makes us want to restore the streets and rebuild the old waste places. This is precisely why Jesus said in Matthew25, "I was thirsty and you gave me drink, I was naked and you clothed me, I was hungry and you fed me, I was sick or in prison and you came to see about me." When asked when they did all of these things for him his reply was, "when you did it to the least of these my brothers you did it unto me." Many have tried to say that he meant fellow Jews only, however, as the last Adam, Jesus is the ultimate representative of ALL humanity and therefore, all are his brothers and sisters.
We need to proclaim that the breach has been repaired and restored!
BE RECONCILED TO GOD!!!! Comments welcomed!
A breach is simply a hole. Something is broken. In this case, the break is in the relationship between God and humanity. Think of a a bridge between humanity and God. Death/mortality and the knowledge of good and evil put a breach in that bridge. The breach does not affect God like it does humans. God is ever present but humans are not aware of it. Therefore, it is like there is no relationship at all. The gospel repairs that breach, and once it is repaired, it should then have an effect on the old waste places. Now I am referring to actual physical waste places. These waste places are most frequently found in the inner cities of America. Yes, it is the result of neglect of many generations of individuals.
This is precisely the way in which the kingdom of God should impact the world's kingdoms. Knowing that the breach has been repaired between us and the Father, should develop a love within us that makes us want to restore the streets and rebuild the old waste places. This is precisely why Jesus said in Matthew25, "I was thirsty and you gave me drink, I was naked and you clothed me, I was hungry and you fed me, I was sick or in prison and you came to see about me." When asked when they did all of these things for him his reply was, "when you did it to the least of these my brothers you did it unto me." Many have tried to say that he meant fellow Jews only, however, as the last Adam, Jesus is the ultimate representative of ALL humanity and therefore, all are his brothers and sisters.
We need to proclaim that the breach has been repaired and restored!
BE RECONCILED TO GOD!!!! Comments welcomed!
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