God’s Principle Of Restoration
September 10, 2023
15th Sunday of Ordinary Time 2023
Readings: Ezekiel 33:1-11
Romans 12:9-21
Matthew 18: 15-20
Today’s Gospel challenges us to allow the Holy Spirit to let us really understand the meaning behind the message. The illustration given is the 99 sheep and the one lost sheep that the shepherd goes out to look for because it had gotten lost. If a brother sins, go to him and reprove him, but just between the two of you. If he does not listen, bring 2 or three more witnesses. If he still does not listen, then take the matter to the church. If he still does not listen, let him be as a gentile or tax gatherer. At first glance, this portion of Scripture seems to be different from Christ’s teaching on Forgiveness. But we are really referring to restoration. If there are problems in church, then we should restore those who have erred. So this portion of Scripture is really talking about the principle of Restoration. Leviticus 19:17 “You shall not hate your brother in your heart. You shall surely rebuke your neighbor, and not bear sin because of him.” You should love instead because love will break down the barrier. It is very powerful. 1 Corinthians 6:2 “Or do you not know that the Lord’s people will judge the world? And if you are to judge the world, are you not competent to judge trivial cases?” Today, churches are not in unity. We are attacking one another. We should be applying God’s principle of restoration. James 5:19-20 “My brothers and sisters, if one of you should wander from the truth and someone should bring that person back, remember this: Whoever turns a sinner from the error of their way will save them from death and cover over a multitude of sins.” Titus 3:10 “Warn a divisive person once, and then warn them a second time. After that, have nothing to do with them.” Matthew 18:21-22 Then Peter came to Jesus and asked, “Lord, how many times shall I forgive my brother or sister who sins against me? Up to seven times?” Jesus answered, “I tell you, not seven times, but seventy-seven times.” Genesis 4:24
“If Cain is avenged seven times, Then Lamech seventy-seven times!” Romans 12:17 “Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everyone.” Scripture also tells us, If any two of you agree on anything on earth, it shall be done by My Father in heaven.
As God’s people we are to operate in unity. Deuteronomy 19:15, “One witness is not enough to convict anyone accused of any crime or offense they may have committed. A matter must be established by the testimony of two or three witnesses.” How do we have peace in our lives? It’s in following His principles on how to treat others. We need to meet the offender face to face in dealing with the situation. The enemy is offering all kinds of solutions that are actually destructive. It’s only in following Christ and in God’s principle of restoration that we cannot go wrong. And remember that even if a brother offends you, he is still a brother.
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