Hope for the Hopeless and more

The Road to Restoration

Romans 15:4  For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through the endurance taught in the Scriptures and the encouragement they provide we might have hope.

• But the hard truth is glorious; we have not yet arrived at our home.
• God is faithful to His promises and directs history to accomplish His eternal plans.

God's Prophet in Exile

Ezekiel 1:28  Like the appearance of a rainbow in the clouds on a rainy day, so was the radiance around him.  This was the appearance of the likeness of the the glory of the Lord.  When I saw it, I fell facedown, and I heard the voice of one speaking.

• Sin's wreckage does not strip away God's compassion for sinners, even as His righteous judgment falls.
• God seeks and speaks to rebellious people.

Hope for the Hopeless

Ezekiel 36:36. Then the nations around you that remain will know that I the Lord have rebuilt what was destroyed and have replanted what was desolate.  I the Lord have spoken, and I will do it.

• Everything God does displays His glory.
• God delivers His people from death - by His Spirit and for His glory.

Truth and Strength in Exile

Daniel 2:19b-20. Then Daniel praised the God of heaven and said: "Praise be to the name of God for ever and ever; wisdom and power are his."

• Belonging to God calls us to live with integrity in every relationship and situation.
• Our faithful response to God reveals His greatness.

Unwavering Faith and Uncompromising Humility

Daniel 4:3. How great are his signs, how mighty his wonders!  His kingdom is an eternal kingdom; his dominion endures from generation to generation.

• God pursues foolishly proud people, strategically revealing His glory in diverse ways.
• God reveals His glory to call us to worship Him alone.

BSF Notes Lessons 0-4 Exile and Return