Someone once told me that anytime you see the Bible repeating words or thoughts, it’s important to take notice. We will see key elements from our verse today again in Isaiah 61, as we walk through that passage on Sunday mornings as a church. Isaiah 61:4 says, “They will rebuild the ancient ruins; they will restore the former devastations; they will renew the ruined cities, the devastations of many generations.” God is in the business of rebuilding both physical and spiritual areas, and we see this throughout the Bible.

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The verses in chapters 58 and 61 read similarly enough that we might wonder why it was repeated so close together. This is a situation where the context of the rest of the chapter frames some subtle differences. In 58, Isaiah is calling the people to true worship. The Israelites complained that God wasn’t answering their prayers even though they prayed and fasted. God exposes that their outward actions are empty, rooted in ritual and performance. The inside motivations did not match the outside appearance. God tells them to stop acting wickedly towards others, and to start acting lovingly. He also tells them that when they do this, and pair their spiritual practices with renewed hearts, immense blessings will pour out on them. God mentions healing, answered prayers, and satisfied souls — lives full of light. Then, we find today’s key verse. They’ll be people who rebuild, repair, and restore. When we walk with our hearts postured rightly and in sincere worship, we’re equipped to do good works in God’s Kingdom. Isaiah 58 is a word of correction and a reminder of promises. God’s covenant with Israel included blessings and consequences tied to obedience.

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Isaiah 61 also describes a people who will rebuild and restore, but the difference in why they’re able to do so is significant. In Isaiah 58, restoration is tied to the people’s obedience; in Isaiah 61, restoration flows from what God Himself does through the Messiah. In 61, Isaiah looks forward to the Messiah who comes anointed to preach the good news, to set captives free, and to comfort. As a result, God’s people who will be equipped by the Spirit will be restorers and rebuilders. They’ll even be able to bring restoration in areas that were the “devastations of many generations” (Isaiah 61:4). How cool is that? Nothing is broken beyond God’s ability to build from the ruins.  

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What I love most about the comparison of these two passages is the reminder that my ability to do good things in God’s Kingdom is not on me. We are no longer bound by our ability (or inability!) to keep God’s law perfectly. Through the saving work of Jesus the Messiah on the cross and the equipping work of the Spirit in my life, I am called to and equipped for good works. I can literally be a tool for restoration in my home, church family, and community. So can you!

Have you ever considered yourself to be capable of bringing about restoration? In Jesus, you are! One of the first steps to being a rebuilder is to be broken over brokenness. Allowing ourselves to be broken over these things isn’t the same thing as guilt or shame; it’s developing a holy compassion that we can let grow over situations where we might have begun to feel numb, impatient, or overwhelmed. Where do you see ruins, rubble, or brokenness in your life, your family, or our community? Spend some time in prayer this week, asking God to help break your heart for what breaks His heart. Ask Him to show you some areas where He might be calling you to be a rebuilder. Trust that if God calls you to it, He will equip you for it. Restoration isn’t hinged on your gifts, talents, brains, wallet, or abilities. You’re just the hands and feet for what God is going to do!