Many of the people of Israel will he bring back to the Lord their God. (Luke 1:16)

A classic car show attracts a crowd as surely as a picnic attracts bees. Older men and women often huddle around a restored ’57 Chevy,’64 Pontiac GTO,’54 Dodge Royale, ’53 Chevy Corvette, or some other vintage make and model, and share memories of their experiences with an old car just like it. Younger people stroll from car to car and emit words of appreciation like “Wow,” “Cool,” and “Awesome.” Meanwhile the owners beam with pride, especially if they personally restored the cars to their shiny, mint condition.

Restoring an old car must be rewarding, but restoring a nation to God is far more rewarding. Daniel 12:3 promises that “those who lead many to righteousness” will shine “like the stars for ever and ever.”

The angel Gabriel announced that John the Baptist would be born to restore the nation of Israel to God. Of course such an extraordinary mission required extraordinary power. John would “be filled with the Holy Spirit even from birth” (Luke 1:15).

Believers today, like John, are commissioned to restore people to God. The task is daunting, but if we faithfully proclaim the good news to friends, neighbors, and loved ones, surely some of them will be restored. Indeed, the Holy Spirit who filled John for his ministry is available to fill us for ours.

Depend on the Holy Spirit today to help you restore the lost to God.

Jim Dyet and his wife, Gloria, have been married fifty-three years and live in Colorado Springs, where Jim enjoys daily walks with his three dogs.