In Isaiah 61 we see a proclamation of the ministry of Jesus Christ the Messiah. His ministry would be one mainly of healing, healing the damage caused to mankind by sin. Sin had ravished mankind completely. Sin brought to mankind impoverishment, broken-heartedness, and captivity. Sin had us bound, mourning and reduced to ashes. Isaiah is saying that finally there was going to be an end to all of this devastation. This chapter could be appropriately called the chapter of hope for mankind.
It must be clearly pointed out that not only was this a promise in the book of Isaiah but this prophecy has already being fulfilled. The messiah came and successfully completed his work of preaching, healing, delivery and comfort and has returned to His father. Unfortunately some of us do not seem to have heard the good news and we continue to walk as slaves than as a people who have been set free. We continue to allow sin to impoverish us, we continue to let sin break our heart and to put us in captivity and bind us. Sin has caused many of us to mourn and have a spirit of heaviness. Sin has caused many of our lives to become so broken and crushed and all that is left is ashes. Ashes for most people are useless, fit only to be walked upon or thrown away- not so for Jesus. Jesus scooped up every particle of ash and stamped on you instead “beauty” God loves to rebuild ruins just sees what v 4 says about this And they shall build the old wastes, they shall raise up the former desolations, and they shall repair the waste cities, the desolations of many generations.
Why have we not heard the good news? Perhaps those of us who know this good news have not adequately shared it. If you fall in this category, start telling the good news of what Jesus Christ has done. It may be your neighbor, friend, child or a spouse, make sure that you give them the option to choose freedom or remain in slavery.
It is also possible that there are some who do not see themselves worthy to accept what Jesus Christ has done. We need to remind them Jesus Christ did not make a distinction when He came. His ministry was for everyone. He would not have suffered what He did if He did not believe we were worth it.
Finally there are still those who refuse to accept what Christ has done for them and are willing to accept what sin has and is doing to them. We need to pray earnestly that these individuals’ eyes will be opened to what freedom from sin and slavery has to offer. I accepted His beauty for my ashes, I hope you will do the same!
In His Service,
Vilma