May 16: Reconciled

My parents had been married for over 23 years before the divorce. The divorce; the watershed event in the life of our family. For decades everything would be remembered as LBD or LAD (life before divorce or life after divorce) “I hate divorce," says the LORD God of Israel (Malachi 2:16) So do I, in general, although there are circumstances when divorce is a healthy option. For the most part, though, it is ugly and painful. It breaks God’s heart when love dies and when dreams shatter.

But God loves people more than anything, and God has a heart for reconciliation—for seeing what’s broken be put back together, for seeing warring or estranged parties make peace and become reconciled, and see harmony restored.

The main reason Jesus came was to reconcile us to God. Reconciliation is always God’s highest priority. And oh, how we need it: In relationships between nations, in our political systems, in our churches and families, between different people groups.

“…God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ has given us the ministry of reconciliation: that God was reconciling the world to himself in Christ, not counting men's sins against them. And he has committed to us the message of reconciliation.” (2 Corinthians 5:18-19)

God is for us, not against us. Because of sin, and our sins, we are all estranged from God. God reconciles us to Himself through Jesus. But that’s not all. Those who’ve been reconciled to God then get to join Jesus on His mission—we become messengers, agents, of reconciliation.

What a cool thought to know that you have the privilege, as a “minister of reconciliation” to help other people restore their broken relationship with God, with their spouse, their family, their neighbors! We get to be part of brokenness being healed and relationships being restored.

There is nothing more exciting than to be the mid-wife when God births something new. When hope is restored the heart quickens, belief comes to life and gives birth to joy.

Where do you see brokenness around you today? Ask God to use you to bring reconciliation and new life to that situation.

~ Father, what an awesome thing you do in our hearts when we are reconciled to you. Use me today to be a minister and messenger of your reconciling power. Amen.