Here at Millington Baptist Church, our vision is to make disciples of Jesus who are “Firmly Planted, Growing Together and Made to Multiply.” to establish people in a growing relationship with Christ and spread the gospel. So, despite all of the rapid cultural change, all around us, we believe God still has us on his mission here.
But here’s the problem, sometimes we wish it would go back to the way it was, maybe 5 years ago, or maybe 20 years ago to when things felt more “normal.” But here’s the reality: we can’t go back, we’ve can only go forward, and sometimes it will look different than the way it was or even the way we expected it to look. So here’s the challenge, will you embrace the moment God has called you to in this world? Will you respond with cheers, or tears?
We pursue restoration when we embrace our moment. (Ezra Chapter 3)
This is your moment. Don’t you see? Jesus Christ hand picked you, for this moment. On purpose. The Bible says God is doing a new thing. This is what restoration is, it’s not going back to exactly what it was, it’s something completely new. Something you’ve never seen before.
I sometimes wonder what God thought about those who were crying and sad. Because God knew what he was going to do. And maybe God was up there in heaven thinking you want to go back? Don’t you realize that on this foundation you’re laying right now, that’s where my one and only son will walk? Do you have any idea, the plans I have in store for this second temple?
You want to go back to Solomon? Someone so much greater than Solomon is coming, you need to look forward and prepare the way for what’s next. It’s the same principle today. We need to look forward. God wants to restore his people, and the path forward toward restoration is found eyes wide open to where we are today.
Here’s the truth: “Normal isn’t coming back, Jesus is coming back.” And he’s coming back looking for a restored church. And he’s coming back as the true and better Ezra to restore not the physical temple, but he’s going to make this whole world into a temple. This is where we’re headed.
And in the meantime, he’s looking for a church that’s really seeking after him and his restorative power.
