The phrase held hostage has multiple understandings but is more narrowly defined in today’s world in negative light where someone is held against their will often with an unpleasant ending. Being held captive did not always have this result nor does it necessarily today such as the example we find in Psalm 53:6 where we read of David’s desire for his and the nation of Israels captivity to become a reality but captive not to an enemy but to our Lord God.
The captivity spoken of by David as vs. 6 tells us will one day come and I believe it will come through the restored Temple in Jerusalem (Zion) from which Christ will reign and when all who placed their faith in Christ will rejoice.
Scripture speaks of this restoration when all will be restored to its former state as God intended through our understanding of the Garden of Eden. It does this by speaking of it as a time of Joy (Psalm 51:11-12). A foretaste of that we have now when we invite the Holy Spirit into our life but imagine being in that presence with God the Father, Son and Holy Spirit at all times. That is true joy.
It must be noted that restoration comes through Christ alone as pointed out in the words of Isaiah 49:6. It is here we see that Christ was to restore not only Israel (tribes of Jacob) but Gentiles such as we who are not of Jewish faith.
Restoration also brings healing (Jeremiah 30:17). It may occur in the form of national such as Israel returning to its homeland such as officially occurred in May of 1948 or it may be spiritual healing where life lived in uncertainty finds Christ and the peace and joy of knowing Him.
Restoration is all about blessing. God loving on us in a way He always desired. We all, as I have, can experience these blessings 24/7 but only if we are HELD HOSTAGE by God.
THOUGHT FOR TODAY: Spiritual restoration comes with repentance followed by being renewed in the Spirit.
DEVOTIONAL VERSE FOR TODAY: Psalm 53:6 “captive to God”.
PRAYER FOR TODAY: Lord restore me.
QUESTIONS TO THINK ABOUT:
- Have you experienced spiritual restoration?
- What examples of being held hostage can you personally relate to?
- How well do you understand the importance of the Temple Mount?
- Imagine for a moment the restoration experience of Heaven?
*** Gary Jerke *** Is a former State Representative, author and Life and Liberty News contributor
