6.25.2026 - Lisa Liou

Thursday, June 25, 2026

Isaiah 61:4

They will rebuild the ancient ruins

and restore the places long devastated;

they will renew the ruined cities

that have been devastated for generations.

As we have explored the topic of the Holy Spirit’s renewal so far this week, we have looked at

the future-oriented vision of John in Revelation, the teaching of Paul, and a confession Psalm

from David. Today and tomorrow we will look at renewal through the eyes of the prophets, who

proclaim timeless truths about God in their own historical contexts—truths that are partially

realized in the present and will be fully realized in the future.

Isaiah 61 is a powerful section of scripture which Jesus first quoted when he read from the scroll

at the beginning of his ministry. “The spirit of the Lord is upon me to proclaim good news to the

poor…” The scripture goes on to talk about binding up the brokenhearted, releasing captives,

and comforting the mourning.

Later Isaiah talks about rebuilding and restoring the ancient ruins, the rubble of the devastation

that the exiled people of God knew so well in Babylonian captivity. We know from Ezra and

Nehemiah that some exiles do get to return and rebuild Jerusalem in a process that involves

confession, reconsecration, and, no doubt, heavy labor.

The exiles who returned were the first fulfillment of this promise, but the followers of Jesus, as

represented by the Church in all nations, continue this work of rebuilding, restoring, and

repairing. In 2 Corinthians 5, Paul talks about his ministry of reconciliation, sharing the news that

God has been reconciling the world to himself. And, of course, Jesus’ ministry was all about

restoration–holistic restoration–not of the city or former political glory of the Israelite people, but

of all of humanity–body, soul, mind, spirit, and in relation to others.

We have been commissioned by the Lord to participate in this ministry of reconciliation,

restoration, and renewal in the world. Wherever we go, as believers, we are both receiving and

offering the Holy Spirit’s renewal for the world.

We are just as much restoration artists as those who rebuilt the Michigan Central Station I told

you about the other day. Our tools are spiritual, resourced by the supernatural power of God and

demonstrated in the resurrection of Jesus, for holistic restoration in the world.

Take a moment to consider something structural that has seen some devastation. (By structural,

I mean something larger than an individual—perhaps a family, a city, or an institution.) Choose

something you are personally connected to. Imagine what it would look like to see the Holy

Spirit’s restoration in that place or thing.

Does your imagination align with scripture? Does it demonstrate the fruits of the Spirit?

If so, draw a picture of what you are seeing and put it in your Bible or journal as a reminder to

pray. Ask God to show you how you might be a restorer and rebuilder in devastated places.

Thank God that Jesus makes all things new.