The Need to Restore
Sometimes restoration means walking back across the bridge we once abandoned, knowing Christ has already paved the way.
Based on “Immeasurably More” by Ray Stedman
Photo credit: Unsplash
In today’s devotional, Ray Stedman explores the final of the five Old Testament offerings—the guilt offering—and highlights its enduring relevance for us today. While the earlier offerings centered around a person’s relationship with God, this last one shifts the focus to our relationship with others. It deals specifically with the injuries we inflict on one another—through dishonesty, fraud, betrayal, or neglect—and how these wounds require more than time to heal. The guilt offering teaches us that resolution demands acknowledgment, confession, and where possible, restitution. Time doesn’t erase the fracture; only truth and grace can.
Stedman uses a personal story to illustrate this principle—a moment from his early Christian life when he unknowingly, and then knowingly, took money he hadn’t earned. Although no one pursued him about it, his conscience, stirred by the Spirit, would not leave him alone. Eventually, he repaid the money and confessed his wrongdoing. That act of obedience brought not only forgiveness from the other party but also a deep internal release and restoration of peace.
The devotional invites us to consider the broken relational bridges in our own lives—those silent yet smoldering remnants of unresolved offenses. Even when our sins are buried under the dust of years, the weight remains on our spirit. But Christ, who is our guilt offering, has made a way for freedom, not just in our vertical fellowship with God, but in our horizontal relationships with one another. Restoration may involve admitting wrong, making amends, or simply initiating a conversation long delayed. When we yield to the Spirit’s prompting, He walks us back into the light with courage and peace.
Personalized Journal Entry in the Holy Spirit’s Voice Through Scripture
I am the One who reconciled you to the Father, and I have made you an ambassador of reconciliation. I dwell in you to lead you not only into worship but also into peace with others. The cross was not only for your forgiveness—it was for your cleansing, so that your conscience would no longer accuse you. I remind you of things long forgotten not to condemn you, but to free you.
When you walk past an offense, hoping time will silence your spirit, I do not condemn you, but I quietly stir you. For your heart is not your enemy—it is My dwelling place, and I am faithful to bring conviction with kindness, not shame. I move in your memory not to drag you back but to invite you forward into integrity, joy, and freedom.
If your brother has something against you, leave your offering and be reconciled. If you remember that a conversation is still owed or a debt remains unpaid, I am your courage and your clarity. It is not for penance but for peace that I lead you there. I go with you. I speak through you. I restore what is beyond you. For I am your Advocate not only with the Father but in every earthly relationship where truth must walk.
As much as it depends on you, live at peace with all people. Whether the wound is fresh or weathered by time, My grace knows no limit and is not bound by years. I have borne the guilt offering. You do not restore to earn righteousness, but to reveal it. The fruit of righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace.
So walk with Me back to that memory. Speak what is true. Give what was once withheld. Forgive what was once demanded. And you will know a freedom deeper than silence, a joy richer than self-justification. You are Mine. Let the aroma of reconciliation rise from your life as a living offering to Me.
Scripture References:
2 Corinthians 5:18-20, Hebrews 9:14, Matthew 5:23-24, Romans 12:18, James 3:18
Prayer
Lord Jesus, I trust You to express Your reconciling life through me today. I know that You are both my Advocate and my Peace. When You gently bring a name or moment to mind, I will not shrink back or bury it in excuses. I rejoice that I am already forgiven, already made clean, and I want to walk in the light with You in every relationship. Thank You that Your life in me desires unity, humility, and truth. I choose to walk wherever You lead, confident that You are already there, preparing the heart, speaking the words, and weaving grace into every step.
Amen.