In 2016, I felt a strong desire to seek deeper understanding from the Lord. Many Christian leaders shared prophetic words about the New Year that began with Rosh Hashanah. Words like reset, rebuild, reboot, and refresh caught my attention. The Lord showed me that there is significant power in the prefix “re.”
The prefix “re-” comes from Latin and means “again” or “back.” It implies doing something again or returning to an earlier condition. I remembered a commercial. In it, a little girl joyfully goes through a revolving door at each turn.
Let me share some of my thoughts and explore different words in the Bible that start with “re-.”
Think of a child playing with a revolving door, running in circles and shouting “again!” This playful image reminds me of three powerful words: redemption, reconciliation, and restoration.
Redemption: We have been redeemed through the sacrifice of Jesus. Ephesians 1:7 says, “In him we have redemption through his blood. We have the forgiveness of sins in accordance with the riches of God’s grace.”
Reconciliation: Because of Jesus, we are reconciled with God. Romans 5:10 tells us, “For if, while we were God’s enemies, we were reconciled to him through the death of his Son. How much more, having been reconciled, shall we be saved through his life!”
Restoration: God desires to restore every part of our lives. Isaiah 61:1-3 speaks of Jesus coming to heal and set us free, proclaiming God’s grace so we can live abundantly. God wants to restore relationships, hope, health, faith, joy, and more.
Here are some other powerful “re-” words that show God’s love for us. These words include repent, rebuild, repay, reborn, renew, revive, refresh, rediscover, redirect, return, and more.
Let’s look at some of my favorite scriptures:
Renew: “But those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.” Isaiah 40:31
Revive: “For this is what the high and exalted One says—he who lives forever, whose name is holy: “I live in a high and holy place, but also with the one who is contrite and lowly in spirit, to revive the spirit of the lowly and to revive the heart of the contrite.” Isaiah 57:15
Restore: “He refreshes my soul.” Psalm 23:3a
Rebuild and Replant: “Then the nations around you that remain will know that I the Lord have rebuilt what was destroyed and have replanted what was desolate. I the Lord have spoken, and I will do it.” Ezekiel 36:36
God’s love and power are limitless. He invites us to return and repent so that we can experience His restoring power. Acts 3:19-21 says, “Repent, then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out, that times of refreshing may come from the Lord, and that he may send the Messiah, who has been appointed for you—even Jesus.”
The Bible shows us that God visits His people at different times. For instance, He visited Sarah and fulfilled His promise to her (Genesis 21:1). He also visited the children of Israel to deliver them (Exodus 4:31).
Sadly, many miss God’s visitations because they do not recognize them. Jesus wept over Jerusalem because the people did not recognize their visitation (Luke 19:41-44).
True revival happens when God powerfully intervenes in our lives. He brings us back to life and restores His presence and power. A visitation from God awakens the Church and spills over into the world.
Let’s reaffirm our love for Christ. Let’s realign our faith in Him. It’s time to let go of our reliance on worldly systems. Embrace the power of “re” and trust in God’s ability to renew, restore, and revive.
Minister A Francine Green
afrancinegreen.com 