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  LET THE SHADOW RETURN BACKWARD TEN DEGREES.
  by F.B. Meyer
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Summary: Through repentance, fellowship with God, and Christ's love, we
can restore lost years, regain happiness, and reconnect with loved ones.

Topics: "Restoration", "Hope in Grief"
Scripture References: 2 Kings 20:10, Psalm 71:18, Isaiah 40:31, Joel 2:25, John 11:25, Hebrews 13:5

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DESCRIPTION
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F.B. Meyer reflects on the miraculous event of the shadow returning
backward ten degrees, using it as a metaphor for the possibility of
reclaiming lost time and experiences in our lives. He emphasizes that
while wasted years cannot be reversed, true repentance and turning to
God can restore the shadow of a wasted life. Meyer encourages believers
that even in the twilight of life, through fellowship with God, one can
regain the joy of happier days. He also reassures those grieving the
loss of loved ones that Christ's love can restore and surpass earthly
relationships, offering hope for reunion in the afterlife.

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CONTENT
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Let the shadow return backward ten degrees. 2 Kings xx. 10.

IT is impossible for us to understand how this could be. The shadow of
the declining day waxes ever longer, and only a miracle could change its
appearance on the dial. It may suggest some significant thoughts about
shadows that may still go back.

The shadow of a wasted life. ‑‑ Of course, there is a sense
in which the wasted years will never come again; they have passed beyond
recall. But the shadow may go back on the dial of our life when we truly
repent, and turn again to God, for He hath promised: "I will never leave
thee, neither forsake thee." And "I will give back the years that the
canker worm and caterpillar have eaten."

The shadow of happier days. ‑‑ These seem to have gone. For
long you have noticed the growing twilight, and it has seemed impossible
ever again to have the lightsomeness and spring of one or two decades
back. But be of good cheer, for when a man comes into that fellowship
with God which sorrow and temptation teach, when with growing years he
attains added grace, we are told that he shall return to the days of his
youth.

The shadow of early affection. ‑‑ Have you lost loved ones,
so that your life is like a house the windows of which, one after
another, have become shuttered and dark? But love is not forfeited for
ever. Those who forsake all for Christ's sake shall get all back again
in Him. His love comprehends all human love. The relationships of his
kingdom surpass in tenderness and tenacity those of the warmest earthly
ties. Thy brother shall rise again, and thou shalt hear him call thy
name, and shalt sit with him in the Home of Life.

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Source: https://sermonindex.net/speakers/fb-meyer/let-the-shadow-return-backward-ten-degrees/
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