Rebuilding from the Ruins: Part 2

Are you ready for some good news?

“This is what the Lord says: “‘I will restore the fortunes of Jacob’s tents and have compassion on his dwellings; the city will be rebuilt on her ruins, and the palace will stand in its proper place.” (Jeremiah 30:18, NIV)

As ancient cities were rebuilt on the mound of ruins of the former city, the “rubble” of your life only serves as building supplies for God.

The image of a city being rebuilt on her ruins would have been quite familiar to Jeremiah’s contemporary readers.  “Tell” or “tel” derives from the Hebrew word for “hill” or “mound” (think “Tel-Aviv”).  

According to biblewalks.com, there were many common sense reasons that ancient civilizations like to build new cities atop the old ruins. Here are four reasons:

1. The original city walls were built to last and were available to undergird the next layer.
2. Most of the houses in ancient cities were made of mud bricks, which disintegrated and simply became part of the mound.
3. One of the best defense tactics for the ancient city was elevation. The old mound provided the highest building spot anywhere around.
4. The owners of the old, ruined houses could often reclaim their property and build on it again.

It makes me think of God’s restoration in our lives:

1. There are some foundational “walls” in your life that have been built to last. Even in the seasons of “ruins” of our lives, God deposits some gifts, experiences and skills that endure. There is something to build on down deep in your soul!
2. The things that were of no use in your life, God broke down to the original mud so that you’re clay in the potter’s hand. The pot was marred, but the clay has become moldable again.
3. The “ruins” of your life have put you at a higher elevation. You can see more from the higher vista and it gives you a new, strategic advantage over the enemy.
4. You might have rubble in your life, but it’s still yours! You can say, “It’s mine, I’m going to rebuild it by God’s grace!”

God makes you better, higher, and more glorious out of the ruins of your life. And that’s the gospel!