Restoring the Pledge

Based on Ezekiel 33-34, 1 Peter 5

"if the wicked restore the pledge, give again that he had robbed, walk in the statutes of life, without committing iniquity; he shall surely live, he shall not die. None of his sins that he hath committed shall be mentioned unto him: he hath done that which is lawful and right; he shall surely live." Ezekiel 33:15‭-‬16

Way back in the Old Testament, God had restoration in mind & designed for us. He knew we would have times of desolation, and so we would need a time of restoration! God is able to do that for us, and at this time of year, it is important to reflect & be thankful for all the times He has already restored us and brought us through. But will we restore our pledge to God? Will we follow through with some things we've been putting off? If you haven't yet repented, been baptized in Jesus' Name & received The Holy Ghost, then I would say to start there! That is the most needful way to start a meaningful commitment to God, for now & for eternity!

"And, lo, thou art unto them as a very lovely song of one that hath a pleasant voice, and can play well on an instrument: for they hear thy words, but they do them not." Ezekiel 33:32

How quick are we to hear the preached Word at church, and allow it to fade as we leave & "reality" sets in? Do we hear God as a sweet song, but become disconnected quickly, not allowing Him to have any say or impact upon our behavior? As we have been encouraged to put into practice, we need to do our best to intentionally have an attitude of thankfulness! Every time we complain & criticize, we are breaking down our pledge to God instead of restoring & refreshing it!

"I will seek that which was lost, and bring again that which was driven away, and will bind up that which was broken, and will strengthen that which was sick: but I will destroy the fat and the strong; I will feed them with judgment." Ezekiel 34:16

Jesus will seek us, bring us, bind us & strengthen us...HE WILL RESTORE US! So let's restore our relationship with Him by pledging our very best! But don't worry-He sees us in the hard times, and He will do His restoring work then...but we can't fulfill our pledge to Him by doing an "ignoring" work!

"But the God of all grace, who hath called us unto his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that ye have suffered a while, make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle you." 1 Peter 5:10