Christian Living
In the Christian community we often talk about Jesus being our comforter, our provider, our refuge. All of this is true. We hear about Jesus rescuing us, which is also true. A lot of times that is where our conversation starts to lull; but the point of rescue is where Jesus is just getting started. Isaiah 61 shows us a bigger picture using words that some might deem metaphors. They are not. They are true statements. It just depends on how you interpret the words, with you mind or your spirit. Let's take a look.
Isa 61:1 The Spirit of the Sovereign Lord is on me, because the Lord has anointed me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives, and release from darkness for the prisoners.
This verse shows us that Jesus has come for sinners. Not just the "mild" sinners either. The worst of the worst. People who are poor. Not necessarily financially but spiritually. They are empty inside. There is no light in their spirit. His word is anointed to fill that empty space. He was also sent to bind up, or wrap himself around, the brokenhearted. Brokenhearted people have lost hope. They can't produce Godly fruit because they suffer so deeply inside they can barely function daily. When Jesus comes in He puts all the pieces back together and binds or wraps himself around them. Freedom for the captives. Satan tricks people into believing they are exercising choices independently but they are not. In reality he is behind the scenes pulling the strings. It is an existence that becomes so normal for them they can't even tell something isn't quite right. He has lured them into an identity separate from God. And, release from darkness for the prisoners. Prisoners know they are not independent of their prisons. Personally, I experienced my mind and my emotions as the dark prisons Jesus released me from. At one point in my life I knew the darkness in my soul (mind,emotions, self will) was a prison I desperately wanted to escape, yet no matter what or how hard I tried, I just couldn't do it by myself. Neither could any other human being. Although many tried. Jesus was the only one who could rescue me. He didn't stop at rescuing me and he won't stop at rescuing you either.
Isa 61:2 to proclaim the year of the Lord's favor and the day of vengeance of our God, to comfort all who mourn
He immediately shows those he has just spiritually filled, healed, and set free the need for repentance. At first there is a season of favor. The person knows Jesus is kind and that He cares about them personally. But then they are convicted of their sin condition. Here is a choice. Either return to the place they were just rescued from or acknowledge God won't stand for it anymore and turn away. Repentance brings mourning but not to worry. Remember Jesus is kind and he cares. He comforts those who mourn. Once a choice is made to walk with Jesus he gives them a new identity after a period of restoration.
Isa 61:3 and provide for those who grieve in Zion (restoration involves grieving)- 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.
They are now his children. He provides for them. They are his new love whom he delights in. He takes away the dark yucky stuff and adorns them with his beautiful gifts. The gifts of beauty, gladness, and praise. He renews them. The old is gone, the new has come. They become an oak of righteousness. A display of His splendor. They grow tall, steady, strong. They withstand the seasons. All can see what they were, what Jesus did, and what He continues to do. His splendor shines through them.
Only Jesus can do all of that. We can do our best to meet each others physical needs. Maybe even some emotional needs. However, only Jesus can meet our spiritual needs. He is willing and able to do it for anyone. He gives Spirit filled believers an anointing to do this type of work but it is still him doing it. We, ordinary people, do not have the power to save without him. Only our Lord Jesus is mighty to save. Amen!
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