There are thousands of scriptures in the bible, and in certain seasons of life one may stick out more than others. Have you ever been there? It's like when you listen to a song that describes the very situation that you're in. This particular verse in Isaiah 61 is one that, I'm sure, everyone has been able to relate to at one time or another. When I read this verse it is like a relief that better days are coming and that hard times are not in vain. This is one of many of the truths that God has given us in His word. Sometimes, we have to make it personal. It is Our Truth.
Through the next couple of entries, I would love to break down this verse with you. Please feel free to respond and add on to what God is speaking or showing you through this verse as well. I would love to hear from you! Before we dive into our selected verse I want to back up just a little bit.
The title of Isaiah 61 is "The Lord's Favor." Now, I don't know about you, but I it humbles me to know that the God of the universe favors little ole me! The author, Isaiah, in verses 1 & 2, states that "The Spirit of the Sovereign Lord is on me because The Lord has anointed me to preach the good news to the poor (Isaiah 61:1a)."
Now, let's pause right here. If you started freaking out about the word preaching or poor in that section...STOP! As Christ followers, we are called to teach the gospel to others. That doesn't mean we have to put on a suit or a fancy dress and stand in front of a congregation; it can be as simple as putting on your work uniform and leading a co worker to Christ. This lifestyle is being obedient to the great commission that Jesus, Himself, instructed (Matthew 28:16-20). The word poor in this passage does not necessarily mean the homeless on the street corner. Don't get me wrong, they need to be reached as well, but it goes beyond people who are physically hungry or lacking financially. I believe this is also speaking of proclaiming the good news to people who are poor in peace, poor in their spiritual walk with Christ, poor in joy, poor in freedom, and poor in victory!
"He has sent me to bind up the broken hearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives and release from darkness for the prisoners. To proclaim the year of the Lord's favor and the day of vengeance for our God to comfort all who mourn, (Isaiah 61:1b-2)."
Everyone has a unique, God breathed life story from the time we are born until the time that we die. We will all experience a season of ashes, but there is also a season of beauty. God will allow our season of ashes to fulfill out verses 1b and 2 of chapter 61. We are all Isaiah's. You ask, How am I going to live up to that? The answer is by leading the captives out of darkness, taking the broken to the Healer, and all the while proclaiming His ultimate freedom.
If your ash season hasn't arrived, it will. I'm sorry to rain on your parade (it is literally raining as I am writing this) but our life simply isn't about us. I know some of you are like wait..WHAT?! It is the truth. Our truth. We were created for the Creator, and however He sees fit to use our life, that's how it will be. God never intended for us to walk this life journey alone. It is such a blessing to me to have a body of believers warring for me when I can not fight for myself. You are someone's soldier.
When Jesus exchanges those ashes for His righteous beauty, His harvest comes with it, and That's the truth. Our truth.
Loving You,
Chelsea Elizabeth
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