The last few weeks we have heard very depressing readings from the Bible, today is very different.
We hear about healing and returning to God, instead of destruction.

What is the Bible talking about?

The Jews had been scattered by the people they had been conquered by to all parts of the empire. God said that He will bring them home to their homeland.

God did bring them back later and they rebuilt the temple and the city of Jerusalem.

God is not only talking about the Jews, but about people in general.

God has called all people to be His sheep and come home to be with Him.

There are four different groups of people God has called and is calling.
Those who are already a part of His family
Those who were part of His family and left the Family of Christ
Those who are searching for the comfort and peace God gives.
Those who do not seek God at all

Part of the family:
God brought us into His family and daily sustains us
God daily brings us to repentance and we receive forgiveness
We, by faith, daily trust God
We recognize that we are a part of God’s kingdom

Those who left:
God wants them to come back to Him
They may have been hurt deeply and blame God
Joe Esterhaus
They have left with out even realizing what happened
Those who are searching:
God wants them to be saved
People who are lost and have never known God
They have tried other spirituality and are still empty
They are ready for the truth of God’s mercy

Those who are not seeking God:
God wants them to be saved
They are the atheist, the agnostic, the angry, the other religious
They are ones who do not realize they need God’s mercy
They are the toughest to share with
They are still loved by God

What is God giving His people:
Vss. 15-16
Healing
Strength
Protect against the enemies
Know the true justice of God
All people seek these things in their lives

We are seeking these and we find them in God’s grace and mercy through the means of Grace.

God’s Word:
Psalms, Gospels, and the rest of the Bible.
God working through the Word in people.
God working through those people in His Church.
God working through His people in their families, schools, neighborhoods and communities.

God gives all of this comfort, healing and strength through conquering of the enemies of sin, death and the devil.

Jesus died on the cross and by His death we are healed in our relationship with God and the consequence of Sin.
Jesus’ death and resurrection gives us the strength face our daily lives-Lord’s Supper
Jesus’ death and resurrection forgives our sins and conquers Satan-Baptism
Jesus’ resurrection gives the ultimate promise and hope of heaven with God where are all is permanently healed. Rev. 21:1-5