February 11 2012, 9:04 am | Bill Elliff
In our love for Christ and desire to see Him glorified, there is one aspect that we often overlook. We are called to walk in humble confession and instant obedience to the Lord. But how does God feel about people we have wronged in the past? What does He want us to do and what does He do if needed steps are not taken?
A Famine that Revealed God’s Passion
The Bible records a famine that God sent into the land of Israel for Saul's past sins against the Gibeonites (2 Samuel 21). Saul had broken a covenant he had made and had never rectified his wrong. He was now dead and gone. But the Lord, who loves unity and longs to show everyone His love and righteousness, wanted this resolved. He wanted to show the Gibeonites that God's people keep their word.
David, the current king, inquired of God and discovered why the famine had come. It was to get their attention. To cause them to turn to the Lord and listen. (Spiritual and physical famines may often be about this. God often dries up His resources so we’ll look to Him). When they did, He told them the reason for the famine.
"There is bloodguilt on Saul and on his house, because he put the Gibeonites to death." ( 2 Samuel 21:1)
What was David's response? I imagine I would have said, "That's old news" or, "What's past is past," or "That wasn't even something I did."
Not David. The next phrase records, "So the king called the Gibeonites and spoke to them" (2 Samuel 21:2)
He immediately took steps to clear their national conscience and provide restitution for this wrong. Quite a lesson for us. The story ends with this beautiful resolution…
"And they did all the that the king commanded. And after that God responded to the plea for the land." (2 Samuel 21:14)
Mission accomplished. God was waiting on His people’s response to release His blessing. The famine had accomplished its purpose. The Gibeonites surely realized that God was a God of faithfulness and righteousness.
The Power of Restitution
Is a murderer forgiven instantly when he comes to Christ? Absolutely. But he still took someone's life. There is a wave of broken people in his past. He should do everything God instructs to seek "as far as it lies within him to be at peace with all men" and to make restitution for past wrongs as directed by God (Romans 12:18). What if the survivor's family heard that that the man who'd murdered their relative had come to Christ? Wonderful, but they would be skeptical. But what if the murderer came to them, in humility and brokenness, and sought their forgiveness and made any needed restitution? They would know that God had done something real, that Christ changes people, and God would be glorified. The power of restitution.
God’s Regular Pattern
It’s interesting that seasons of biblical and historical revival are always marked by a return to restitution. Apparently, one of the primary ways God’s name is honored and the gospel is spread is by His people clearing their past. This shows the world that God is honorable and concerned about them. That people who are right with God DO right because of His reviving and rectifying presence.
I have seen a man, in a moment of God’s reviving, give $20,000 to the church because he said he had been more faithful to pay his taxes to the government than his tithe to the church. I’ve watched husbands go back to the wives and children they’d divorce and seek their forgiveness for the covenant they’d broken. I was in a meeting once where a man returned tools that were worth $5,000. He was a thief, but had justified it for years with “everybody takes tools home.” His restitution stunned his boss and co-workers and opened gospel conversations.
And on and on. When Christ is on the throne, He makes us better men and women and the world takes notice. What do you think God’s ultimate agenda is as He leads His people to make needed restitution? The gospel spreads rapidly!
Does this bring to mind a face from your past? A broken covenant? A trail of people who were hurt by your actions? If so, it may be God, calling you to do that which will bring revival and healing to others. Do not delay. It may release the rain of heaven and reverse a famine.
Order Bill's books here including "The Child of 10,000 Names" and "WhiteWater".