July 20 – Today’s Readings – Isaiah 61-63 and Psalms 20
As I was reading Chapter 61, I began to personalize it, reading as if I (AND YOU) were the people the passage was referring to.
Isaiah 61:1 The Spirit of the Sovereign LORD is on (YOU), because the LORD has anointed (YOU) to preach good news to the poor. He has sent (YOU) to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives and release from darkness for the prisoners,
Isaiah 61:2 (HE IS SENDING YOU) to proclaim the year of the LORD’s favor and the day of vengeance of our God, to comfort all who mourn,
Isaiah 61:3 and provide for those who grieve in Zion — (HE IS SENDING YOU) to bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of gladness instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair. They will be called oaks of righteousness, a planting of the LORD for the display of his splendor. (BECAUSE YOU INVESTED IN THEM)
Isaiah 61:4 They (YOU) will rebuild the ancient ruins and restore the places long devastated; they (YOU) will renew the ruined cities that have been devastated for generations.
Isaiah 61:5 Aliens will shepherd your flocks; foreigners will work your fields and vineyards.
Isaiah 61:6 And you (YES YOU) will be called priests of the LORD, YOU will be named ministers of our God. YOU will feed on the wealth of nations, and in their riches you will boast.
Isaiah 61:7 Instead of their shame my people will receive a double portion, (THIS INCLUDES YOU) and instead of disgrace they (YOU) will rejoice in their inheritance; and so they (YOU) will inherit a double portion in their land, and everlasting joy will be theirs (YOURS).
WOW! – Does this not give you a sense of purpose and direction? Does it not make you feel as though there is a big job to be done and you have a part to play? Does it not lend meaning to your existence on this planet? Does it not do wonders for your self-worth? Does it not send you scurrying to your prayer closet, asking for the strength to follow and accomplish The Father’s will?
There is nothing like spending your life accomplishing the plan of God. It is what we were meant to do – what we were created for.
Question:
1. What does the Scripture mean when it say says you have been sent “to bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of gladness instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair”?