March 20: Joshua 7-8; Psalm 69; 1Corinthians 5

Scripture: Psalm (NIV) 69:4b I am forced to restore what I did not steal.

Observation: This chapter contains many word windows through which the reader can see the suffering Messiah. Many commentaries apply the latter part of this verse to Christ. They focused on Christ restoring to man what man lost in the fall. I found very little appreciation for what Christ restored to His Father. To the Father He restored the potential of fellowship with this highest of creation. To the Father He restored the legal avenue for fellowship with fallen man. To the Father He restored fellowship with that for which the Father was willing to sacrifice His Son! It is amazing to consider how much man is loved by the Father! It is amazing to consider how much the Son loves the Father to be willing to embark upon and complete the "earth" assignment!

Application: Jesus worked to restore a broken fellowship that He did not break. Now that my fellowship with the Father has been restored, it is for me to finish out my “earth” assignment continuing the ministry of Jesus in the anointing of the same Holy Spirit that anointed Jesus.

Prayer: Holy Spirit I want to work with you in continuing the ministry of Jesus to restore relationships to a loving Heavenly Father. Speak through me, touch through me, flow through me to a broken world. Amen