The Rest of the Promise

 Scripture:

“to strengthen those who mourn in Zion, by giving them a turban, instead of ashes, oil symbolizing joy, instead of mourning, a garment symbolizing praise, instead of discouragement. They will be called oaks of righteousness, trees planted by the LORD to reveal his splendor.” ‭‭Isaiah‬ ‭61‬:‭3‬ ‭NET‬‬

Observation:

This verse actually continues a word from verse 2, which is very familiar. “The Spirit of the Lord is upon me and has anointed me to… in this verse “strengthen those who mourn in Zion, giving them a turban instead of ashes, oil of joy instead of mourning, praise instead of discouragement, and they will be called oaks of righteousness, trees planted by the Lord.” This is the rest of the promise that Jesus came to fulfill. These trade offs are incredible promises to God’s people, but we have to walk in them. 

Application:

We need to shift our thinking from mourning, discouragement, and ashes, to joy, praise, and righteousness. Jesus, at the beginning of His ministry preached the text right up to this point, and probably this as well. He came, not just to deliver us, heal us, and free us, but to give us joy, praise, and righteousness. We must make the decision to walk in what Jesus has already provided. Today, I choose joy, praise, and righteousness. I want to live for what Jesus died for.

Prayer:

Father, let Your joy fill my life! Let Your peace fill my life. Let Your love fill my life. Let me represent You well in all that I do. Teach me Yours ways and help me to walk in Your paths. You are incredible and I love You more each day. Let my life reveal Your splendor as the end of this verse says. Reveal Yourself through my life. I give it completely to You for Your purposes.

Yours Forever,

Jeff