The Joy Of Restoration

At a dinner last week, I was asked about my favorite hobbies. I mentioned that I enjoy various sports, particularly golf, but my absolute favorite is repairing anything broken, especially automobiles. I find fixing cars incredibly relaxing and fulfilling. At my previous church, I assisted numerous congregants in repairing their cars and even painted a few with spray paint to nearly original shine. This was both a hobby and a ministry. Assisting college students and families save hundreds of dollars they would have spent at a dealership was a joy. (Now, if you’re thinking about dropping your car off in the church parking lot this week for repair, I kindly request that you first let me settle in a bit longer. Besides, all my tools are in Orange County at the moment.) I believe this sense of joy in repair points me to the good news of Jesus Christ. When we repair something broken, we only glimpse what God has done on a much greater scale in Christ. In the gospels, so many of Jesus’ miracles involved restoration: the blind could see, the lame could walk, lepers were cleansed, and outcasts were welcomed. Yet the greatest restoration was far deeper—our broken relationship with God, shattered by sin. Through His death and resurrection, Jesus reconciled us to God, offering redemption and new life. 2 Corinthians 5:17 proclaims, “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!” Christ returns us to what God had intended in the Garden. After His resurrection, Jesus entrusted His followers with God’s mission, saying, “Peace be with you! As the Father has sent me, I am sending you.” (John 20:21). At RBCPC, I already see that mission alive. Whether it is sharing the gospel, nurturing children in the preschool, caring for one another through congregational care, supporting Operation Christmas Child, or organizing grocery drives, our church is participating in God’s great work of restoration. Romans 8:22-23 reminds us that creation groans, longing for the fullness of hope we have in Christ. This shared purpose fills me with joy as we join together at RBCPC. As we place ourselves in God’s hands, we become instruments of the Master who heals and renews. If you have wondered about how to get involved, there is a Congregational Care Ministry Fair following worship this Sunday. This would be a great starting point. Just as it is a joy to see a broken car working again, let us rejoice that in Jesus, God restores us and one day will make all things new. Blessings, Pastor Jason