Isaiah 61: A Church In Mourning

To console those who mourn in Zion,
To give them beauty for ashes,
The oil of joy for mourning,
The garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness;
That they may be called trees of righteousness,
The planting of the Lord, that He may be glorified.

Isaiah 61:3 (NKJV)

Concerning this key Verse in Isaiah, Jesus is Israel’s 'Consolation' (Luke 2:25), while Zion 'The City of the Living God' (Hebrews 12:22), is now known as 'The Church' (Ephesians 5:23)... leading us to the question of the day:

Why are some of God’s saints still in mourning?

Are they sad for the same reason as Paul?

'I have great sorrow and continual grief in my heart' (Romans 9:2). 'For I fear lest, when I come, I shall not find you such as I wish... and I shall mourn for many who have sinned before and have not repented' (2 Corinthians 12:20-21).

Are they grieved in the same way Jesus grieved?

‘O Jerusalem, Jerusalem... How often I wanted to gather your children together, as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings, but you were not willing!' (Matthew 23:37)…

Leading us to 3 grievous conclusions:

  • Christ yearned for the salvation of the Jews.

  • Paul yearned for the salvation of pagans.

  • Do today's seasoned saints yearn for them both?

But God has a plan! It’s a heavenly exchange, where faithful saints get to exchange their ashes for beauty… and their mourning for overwhelming joy!

Their depression lifts by hands raised in praise to a loving God! They grow tall and strong as fruitful servants: 'The planting of the Lord, that He may be glorified.'

They’re actors, models, and talent for Christ: a new generation of believers, raising the roof from traditional church. As light streams in, congregations IGNITE… in Spirit and fire, passion, and purpose.

'That they may be called trees of righteousness' by the righteousness of the Living God. 'Those who are planted in the house of the Lord shall flourish in the courts of our God. They shall still bear fruit in old age; They shall be fresh and flourishing' (Psalm 92:13-14).

I’m thankful for the 'fruit in old age' part, but I believe God's intention is clear:

You, actors, models, and talent for Christ SHALL revive His church.

Isaiah 61: A Church In Mourning (Part 4)

* Matthew Henry's Commentary on Isaiah 61: http://mhcw.biblecommenter.com/isaiah/61.htm

NOTE: This is a 2023 update of a 2013 Carey Lewis Devotion. You may see notes to 'Actors, Models & Talent for Christ.' If you think you're not in show business, think again. Shakespeare said, 'All the world's a stage and all its men and women merely players. Mostly true. But you're not merely players. You are messengers and ambassadors for the King of kings.

Carey ArbanComment