Scripture in Action

Aneel Aranha is an author, preacher, and evangelist who has spoken to hundreds of thousands of people around the world. You can find a huge selection of his reflections, articles, sermons, songs and other resources on his app.

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Scripture in Action

Day 150

July 28, 2025 • Aneel Aranha • Season 3 • Episode 150

0:00 | 17:53

Explore God's urgent call to mission through Joel's message of restoration and Jesus' commissioning of the twelve disciples in Matthew 10, discovering how God equips us for His purposes.

Day 150 – Restored and Sent

Joel
Matthew 10

God loves to restore what was lost, and then send his restored people out. Today's two readings show that pattern beautifully. The prophet Joel looks over a land stripped bare by locusts. He doesn't call the people to outward mourning. He calls them to real repentance. "Rend your heart and not your garments," he says. And he points them to a God who astonishingly promises to repay the years the locusts have eaten, and to pour out his Spirit on all people. That promise finds its echo in Matthew 10, when Jesus gathers the Twelve, fills them with his own authority, and sends them out with a simple charge. "Freely you have received; freely give." Together, these passages remind us of an unmistakable rhythm. God heals the broken, refills the empty, and then sends them to carry his grace to others.

A central truth rises from today's readings. God restores the broken and even the wasted years. Then he pours out his Spirit and sends his people to give freely what they've freely received.

How might we walk this out today? Here are three steps.

First, bring God one "year the locusts have eaten." A regret, a loss, a season that feels wasted. Name it before him, and ask him to redeem and restore it. Nothing is beyond his repair.

Second, look for one specific way to freely give this week. Maybe it's your time, maybe forgiveness, maybe a word of encouragement. Whatever God has poured into you, pass some of it on.

Third, check your heart for any repentance that's stayed merely on the surface. Don't just tear your garments. Turn to God with real honesty today, and let him meet you there.

As you go through your day, remember this. God restores you not only to heal you, but to send you. You are worth more to him than many sparrows, and he has grace for you to carry.

Thank you for joining me today. May God redeem your lost years, fill you fresh with his Spirit, and send you out with grace to give away. Until tomorrow, remain faithful in the small things and trust God with the rest.