‘When the Lord brought back the captives (who returned) to Zion, we were like those who dream (it seemed so unreal)’ Psalm 126:1 (Amplified)
Have you ever heard of a turn-around that sounds too good to be true?
The Israelites, though loved by God, experienced several troubles, oftentimes because they turned away from Jehovah. However, no matter how long they stayed captives, as soon as they remembered the Lord, He turned around their situation and rescued them from all oppression. These restorations were largely nothing short of miracles that left their oppressors bewildered. (Ezekiel 39, Psalm 106:39-46)
Likewise, we are often oppressed when we turn away from the Master. Our captivity these days is not limited to physical oppression – we are held captives mentally, spritually and the list goes on; it has become increasingly difficult to break free from this hold of tyranny.
The good news today however is that no matter how many years we’ve been held captive, or watched as our dreams faded away without fulfilment, we can be restored, revitalized, and renewed!(Luke 8:43-48) There is a caveat though – turn back to Him!
What are we oppressed by? What little things bedevil us? Sin, unemployment, sickness, financial instability, etc? As we commemorate the death of the Saviour, let’s remember that His blood was shed for our restoration. He craves to bring us out of all the oppression present in this world, His plans for us are noble, He lives so that our dreams and hopes can live! (Jeremiah 29:11; Isaiah 61:1)
Make a decision today to come to Him and He will draw near unto you and give you back the years lost in captivity (Joel 2:25)
He comes to break oppression, to set the captive free,
To take away transgression, and rule in equity
To give them songs for sighing, their darkness turn to light
Whose souls, condemned and dying, are precious in His sight.
(James Montgomery)
Prayer:
Faithful Father,thank You for the gift of Christ. Today, I choose to come back home. I ask You to restore the years eaten by the locusts in Jesus’ saving name.
Today’s devotional was written by Olusola Oludayo
Happy Easter!