The Restoring Love of God in Christ
From Pastor Robert
Isaiah 61 shows us the heart of God in Christ. He delights to reverse the fortunes of weak, broken, and sinful people. He comes near to those who are weary, ashamed, grieving, and burdened, bringing good news to the poor, binding up the brokenhearted, and comforting those who mourn. He gives beauty for ashes, joy for mourning, and praise in place of despair.
The LORD loves to restore ruins and make friends of His enemies.
That means we do not have to hide our needs from Him.
Too often, we think of the Christian life mainly in terms of duty, effort, and pressure. But when obedience is separated from the love of God, it begins to feel heavy. Isaiah 61 reminds us that the One who calls us is also the One who comforts us. The One who sends us is the One who first restores us. Jesus has already loved God and neighbor perfectly for us and in our place. His love is not a reward for obedience. His love is the very power that fuels it.
When the love of God in Christ truly settles into our hearts, obedience becomes a glad response to mercy rather than an added burden to carry. We forgive because we have been forgiven. We serve because we have been loved. We move toward others because Christ first moved toward us. We know our weakness, and we ask Jesus to give us His strength and love.
And as He restores us, He sends us. The comfort we receive from Jesus becomes the comfort we offer to others. The hope He gives us becomes the hope we carry into weary places. The restored are sent to rebuild the ruins, loving God and others in union with Christ.
So, bring your burdens and hurts afresh to Christ today. Rest in His love.
Ask Jesus to open your eyes to a discouraged believer, a hurting friend, or a lonely neighbor who needs His hope through you.
Ask Jesus to direct you to people He places in your path who are different from you in many ways, but who need you to show and tell them the good news.
In His love, Jesus still restores His people, and He still sends His people, going with them in love for the lost even to the ends of the earth.
Rest in the love of Christ this week as you live as His wholehearted follower to the glory of God.
Helpful Links
When the unreached people move into your neighborhood
Is it wrong to see Jesus in the Old Testament?
Be a living example of God’s Love
Life at High Pointe
Men’s Pickleball Event: Men, join us for a great time of fellowship, fun, and pickleball at Pickleland in Plfugerville from 8:00 – 10:00 a.m. Bring $5 to play!
Ladies’ Tea Party: Join us for a lovely Ladies’ Tea Party at church in the fellowship hall from 12:00 – 2:00 p.m. Enjoy an afternoon of fellowship, laughter, tea, sweet treats, and meaningful conversation. Tickets are $8 per person and include food and drinks. Space is limited to 35 ladies, so sign up today! Click here to register.
Sunday AM Preaching Schedule: Pray regularly for the ministry of the Word at High Pointe. Also, prepare for our gatherings by reading the sermon text, thinking it through, and asking questions about the text before Sunday. Here is our (tentative) preaching schedule designed to help you prepare for Sundays:
June 7 | Luke 18:1-8 | Persistent Prayer | Pastor Juan Sanchez
June 14 | Luke 18:9-14 | The Pharisee and the Publican | Pastor Juan Sanchez
June 21 | Luke 18:15-17 | Let the Children Come | Pastor Juan Sanchez
June 28 | Isaiah 63:7-64:12 | Yahweh, Hear this Prayer and Come Down to Save
Begin praying as you prepare to join us this Sunday at 10:00 a.m.
Gospel Partner of the Month: Middle East Ministries It is our joy to support one of our High Pointe families serving in the Middle East. We will not refer to them by name to protect their identity and location, but you may pray for them as you work through our membership directory.
Please pray that the Lord will give them favor and fruitfulness in their work. Pray that the Lord may send a like-minded and similar life-stage family (or two) to serve alongside them. And pray that we would care for and encourage them well.
On-Call Pastor To better care for you, High Pointe, we have an “on-call” pastor available for emergencies after office hours. To reach the on-call pastor, call 512-837-7725, extension 1.
