Isaiah 61:1-3NIV1 The Spirit of the Sovereign Lord is on me,because the Lord has anointed meto proclaim good news to the poor.He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted,to proclaim freedom for the captivesand release from darkness for the prisoners, 2 to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favorand the day of vengeance of our God,to comfort all who mourn, 3 and provide for those who grieve in Zion—to bestow on them a crown of beautyinstead of ashes,the oil of joyinstead of mourning,and a garment of praiseinstead of a spirit of despair.They will be called oaks of righteousness,a planting of the Lordfor the display of his splendor.
3 Trades and a Consequence
Part 1: God offers value for worthlessness, re-construction for de-construction, life for death….Beauty for Ashes.
Part 2: God offers recovery from the most traumatic moments, even moments of mourning and grief. He anoints us out of those periods into joy and even celebration as only He can.
Part 3: God offers a way out of longer-term sadness, anxiety, worry or depression. Praise transforms us, even in despair.
Today: What are the ramifications of the power of God at work in our lives through these trades? Oaks of Righteousness
The tree is an important metaphor throughout Scripture:
Jeremiah 17:8
“They will be like a tree planted by the water that sends out its roots by the stream.”
tree = courage, fruitfulness, absence of worry
Psalm 1:3
“That person is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither—whatever they do prospers.”
tree = fruitfulness, life, prosperity in God
Other examples: Romans 11:17-21, Psalm 52:8-9
God restoring us…
God planting us…
God growing us….
God strengthening us…
God sustaining us….
God connecting us….
Morgan’s Story
Experience a real life story of God’s restoration in Morgan’s life.
Other Scriptures for Study/Reflection
-Isaiah 12:3
-Ephesians 3:17
-Mark 11:12-25
-Romans 11:17-21
-Psalm 52:8-9