By: Obed Pineda
If indeed the skill to create something new is admirable, the same can be said of the craft of restoring it to its original form. Some would make the argument that perhaps it may be slightly more impressive since it involves delving into some other person’s imagination to try and recapture the originality of the object being restored. However, it cannot be denied that what makes the art of restoration special is its ability to preserve a treasured heirloom, regardless of the damage it may have sustained. It is true that what also makes this trade tricky is that the restorer must have an excellent eye for detail, or else he can ruin the object beyond repair. Needless to say that if the object is of high sentimental value, you would undoubtedly seek the most reliable and gifted artisan to preserve that valuable heirloom. Thus, keeping this thought locked in our mind’s eye, it makes perfect sense why the apostle Paul recommends, “brethren, if a man is overtaken in any trespass, you who are spiritual restore such a one, in a spirit of gentleness, considering yourself lest you also be tempted” (Galatians 6:1, emphasis added). The inspired apostle’s instructions to the churches of Galatia illuminates several precious truths that must be comprehended. First, he unveils the destructive nature of sin. Remember that if something is in need of restoration, this confirms that said object has been damaged. It would be ludicrous to repair something that is not broken. Therefore, because the apostle Paul teaches us that he who has fallen in sin requires to be restored, he is simultaneously declaring that sin creates dents and tears to the inner man. Secondly, Holy Writ demonstrates just how valuable man is to God. Observe that the apostolic commandment is directed to those “who are spiritual.” In accordance with our analogy, the spiritual are equal to the experienced, gifted artisans. The apostle to the Gentiles proceeds to elaborate on the description of a spiritual person by describing him as one who has “a spirit of gentleness.” A person who has the patience to listen and observe the situation very carefully will be able to spot the minute detail that led the brother astray. Often it is these “apparently” small details that are in need of correction that ultimately fully restore a fallen brother. Therefore, this proves beyond any doubt that God seeks only the very best to restore His special treasure that is mankind. Thirdly, he identifies a person as spiritual because he is in total control of his emotions and does not allow them to taint his judgment. His blessed talent of self-discipline eliminates the deadly threat of prejudice, nurtured by self-righteousness. Notice that he who is spiritual will make use of empathy, trying to avoid further damage to God’s precious treasure. Remember that this was the urgency the apostle Paul declared to the Corinthians who were not mindful of the penitent brother, who had ceased to sin (2nd Corinthians 2:5-11). Finally, the reality that everyone is in peril of falling into sin, he also provides us with the guidance of what to do when we do sin. If we are overtaken by temptation and are penitent for doing so, the apostle’s advice is to seek those who are spiritual so that they may restore us. James echoes this teaching as he exhorts, “confess your trespasses to one another, and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much” (James 5:17, emphasis added). Let us not make the mistake to interpret the term “righteous” to mean “sinless.” This confusion is dissolved by James as his direction is to “confess your trespasses to one another, and pray for one another.” Thus, what makes a man righteous is not whether he sins or not, but instead if he accepts responsibility for his sin and takes action to correct it. Behold Abraham’s road to restoration! It is no secret that it takes a brave, mature, and spiritual person to accept his wrongs. This was the purpose for Jehovah God’s command to Abimelech, “now, therefore, restore the man’s wife; for he is a prophet, and he will pray for you and you shall live. But if you do not restore her, know that you shall surely die, you and all who are yours” (Genesis 20:7, emphasis added). One must first learn that although God did acknowledge the king’s integrity and innocence in the matter, he was not absolved from sin. Abimelech was informed that his sin was “because of the woman whom you have taken, for she is a man’s wife” (Genesis 20:3b, emphasis added). Thus, if he wanted to restore his integrity before God he had to accept the heavenly admonishment and return Sarah to Abraham. Yet, it is curious that God would command Abimelech to turn to Abraham for prayer when it was Abraham who placed him in this predicament in the first place. It is true that at a first glance this appears to be an unfair judgment on behalf of God since Abraham was just as guilty (if not more) of sin and He had already declared Abimelech as a victim of deceit. However, we must not forget that God is merciful and gracious, “forgiving iniquity and transgression and sin, by no means clearing the guilty” (Exodus 34:7, emphasis added). Because this is inevitably true, it is wise to establish that God was not clearing Abraham from his sin. On the contrary, in sending Abimelech to Abraham so that he could notify him that it was the Lord Himself who spoiled his ruse, He was reprimanding His servant. Verily, this is validated when Scripture proclaims that “Abimelech called Abraham and said to him, ‘What have you done to us? How have I offended you, that you brought on me and on my kingdom a great sin? You have done deeds to me that ought not to be done’” (Genesis 20:9, emphasis added). Recall that it was the Lord Himself who declared to Abimelech that he had been involved in great sin and in doing so, He was also exposing Abraham’s sin. Additionally, it is told to Abimelech that his life now hinged on two things: restoring Sarah, and Abraham’s prayer. Imagine for a moment that you are Abraham and not only has your lie been discovered, but now you are being told by the man whose life you endangered that his survival is contingent on your prayer. Irrefutably, God was in no way clearing His servant but was putting him back on the righteous path. He was making Abraham take responsibility for his actions, by showing him the cruel results of his sin. It was he, after all, who put Abimelech in this dreadful situation. Thus, Abraham had to first exhibit his righteousness through a penitent heart since “the sacrifices of God are a broken spirit, a broken and a contrite heart – These, O God, You will not despise” (Psalm 51:17, emphasis added). If Abraham did not want innocent blood on his hands, then inevitably he had to repent from his sin before he could intercede for Abimelech and his household through prayer. It is wise to also consider here, the true power a righteous man’s prayer wields. To be continued…