“Again I will build you, and you shall be rebuilt, O virgin of Israel! You shall again be adorned with your tambourines, and shall go forth in the dances of those who rejoice” (Jeremiah 31:4). The word “again” appears twice giving an emphatic emphasis on the action which God is about to do.
There was a corner plot covering about four grounds lying vacant covered with bushes of wild plants for nearly forty years. It was coveted by many for its prime location and commercial value. The people passing by proposed cock and bull stories considering as many possible factors they could fathom.
One fine day, people saw huge machines clearing up everything in that piece of land. One man rang his friend and told, “I called to tell you that someone is clearing up your land.” While the reply was, “I told so. However, It is my aunt’s property.” People questioned, “Who has come to claim this property? Are they going to sell this vast land? Who is the owner?” These questions rattled in the mouths of many for quite sometime while the property received a face lift.
After an year, a wonderful house was built with granite compound wall. Value was added to it. Earlier, if the plot was approximately worth ten lakhs now it would fetch forty to fifty lakhs. That house became talk of the town. “Wow! It looks very nice. A beautiful bungalow indeed!” Everyone wanted to somehow sneak and see its interiors. Following a face lift, value was added to that vacant plot.
During the festival of Christmas the beauty of that house was enhanced with electric bulbs, stars, Christmas tree and so on. Those who crossed that place stood still for a second and admired the splendour of that house. Dearly beloved in Christ! What is God trying to tell us through this picture?
There lived an old woman of no worldly repute. She was illiterate and resided under a thatched roof. Everyday, people from various parts of the town came to her for divine counsel from God. She was always in the presence of God so much so that the anointing power of the Holy Spirit fell upon her in an immeasurable manner.
A particular family came to her for God’s guidance. Without questioning she told, “At present you are planning to build a house. God says that you stop that idea and arrange the wedding of your elder son.” This family was amazed because they had actually come with the intention of building a house. Immediately they obeyed the word of God and God perfected everything concerning the wedding of their elder son. How could this woman derive such divine guidance?
“Seek the Lord and His strength; see His face evermore! Remember His marvelous works which He has done, His wonders, and the judgments of His mouth” (Psalm 105:4,5). “You will show me the path of life; in your presence is fullness of joy; at Your right hand are pleasures forevermore” (Psalm 16:11).
It is God’s will that we seek Him everyday. The purpose of creating the garden of Eden and placing man in it was to have fellowship. God desires to dwell among His children. “For thus says the Lord to the house of Israel: ‘Seek Me and live..’” (Amo 5:4) Again it is repeated, “Seek the Lord and live” (Amo 5:6). It is God’s heart-beat to build the children of Israel. He wants to give His children a face lift, an added value and enhanced beauty among the gentiles. In return He expects that we seek Him earnestly calling Abba Father (Rom 8:15). Our relationship with the Almighty God reveals our identity as to who we are to our neighbours.