Have you driven by a TV repair place recently? The last time something needed repair, did you rebuild the faulty component or simply throw it away and replace the entire thing? In fact, how often anymore do we not even consider the restoration of something that is broken? Do you ever think about the irony in how we have become a throw-away culture – instead of looking for things to be restored and made whole?

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I can’t help but notice how we so often are quick to throw things away when there is a problem, rather than see it made new. But what if there was a better way? What if the things that were beyond repair could be brought back? What if all that was wrong could actually be made better than something brand new?

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As we look at this passage, we see Jesus resurrected – raised from death to life. There is this point when Jesus subjects himself to the punishment of 100% of your sin and mine – death on a cross – a horrendous, agonizing death. What really stands out to me is that the text says, “…it was impossible for death to keep its hold on him.” Let that sink in for a moment. He bore the crushing weight of it all, not because he had to but because he loves us. Yet he couldn’t remain there because our Lord is above all, and so not even death could keep its grip on him!

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This moment – Jesus’ resurrection – was the fulfillment of a promise made long ago by God, a rescue mission set in motion generations before. This is the unfolding of a plan to restore humanity to make you and me new, whole, and right. We probably deserved to just be discarded by today’s measure, and yet God places so much value on you that he was willing to go to the greatest lengths to see you restored. Are you willing to accept that and lean in?

So now what… What do we do next? WE CELEBRATE!!  

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Seriously, celebrating is an appropriate response. We get to rejoice in the fulfillment of God’s promise to restore humanity through his son Jesus Christ. We praise him as he raises us to new life. Theres’s wonder, gladness, and jubilance as we grow to know him deeper. We have joy as we share this good news with others. And we throw a party every time one more person is brought back to life and made whole in Jesus.

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What do you need to celebrate today?

• Jesus’ resurrection

• The value God has placed on you

• Restoration in your life

• Restoration around you

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Jesus, I am so grateful that you love me so much as to come and die for me, to be brought back to life, and to want a close relationship. I celebrate in awe as I look around and see the things that you restore. Help me to celebrate each day the wonder of your love. Amen!