… to proclaim the year of the LORD’s favour
and the day of vengeance of our God,
to comfort all who mourn, and to provide
for those who grieve in Zion –
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 splendour.
Isa. 61. 2,3
This is a long quotation and filled with interest. The year of the Lord’s favour could well apply to the time of salvation for the individual. The day of vengeance is to come but, meanwhile, the life of the believer continues in hopeful growth of deeper and more intimate relationship with our Maker.
The Messiah will comfort all those who mourn. Those who grieve will be provided for. God’s children change when they enter into the journey with Him. The ashes of sorrow are replaced by a crown of beauty; the spirit of despair is removed and a garment of praise takes its place. The children of God grow strong in righteousness. They are like solid oaks on the ground and the splendour of God emanates from them.
There is a mighty change in the one who comes to Jesus. A new confidence fills him/her. This is not a worldly type of assurance in themselves, but a connection and relationship with the Power of all powers. The believer presses into God, learning of all that is available in new birth. A confidence in God replaces all attempts at demonstrating self-confidence. I don’t even claim confidence in myself any more. My full confidence is in Him. He is my strength and my shield, my protector and my provider. I need no other.
O Mighty God,
I am so grateful that You took hold of me. I find my confidence in You. I put my full trust in You. I do not fear, nor do I become anxious. You tell me not to do these things, and so I do not. I will find all that I need in You. I look to You. I give myself to journey with You I thank You. Amen.
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