2. To be in its former state
This is a Greek word found in the New Testament several times. It is mainly used in 3 different ways:
- As a restoration of health or physical ailment. In Mathew 12:13, Mark 3:5, and Luke 6:10 it recounts a man who suffered from a withered hand. Jesus describes how important the health of people are to him in the previous verses and then he restores the mans hand to perfect health
- As the restoration of God's people and His kingdom. In Mathew 17:11, Mark 9:12, and Acts 1:6 Jesus speaks about the restoration of his people. He gives us a glimpse to the work that he is doing to wipe away the conflict in our lives and draw us to unity with one another and with himself. He is restoring His kingdom and making all things new.
- Lastly, it refers to bringing a person back. In Hebrews 13:19, the speaker asks for prayer so that he may be restored to them quicker. This is a person who has been separated, both physically and situationally, from a people that love him.
I named the blog Apokathistemi because I hope that it will serve us in all three ways that this word is used. We have a Lord who cares about our health and we are allowed to be in the process of restoring our sickness and bodily afflictions by praying for one another. We can share the things we need prayer for here so our family can help us be restored.
We also have a Lord that not only cares about our physical health but that we are whole. He has done an amazing work to restore us to himself and again gives us the privilege to be involved with his restoration. We can encourage one another toward love and good works and point each other to a Savior who restores. With our words we can help one another see Christ and have our spirit restored to unity with Him.
Lastly, we are a family who is separated by distance and the situations that we are in. We can use this blog to restore ourselves to one another. To be close. To experience a home away from those that love us and are praying for us.
I hope this blog is about restoration, finding something that was lost, and being whole.
