29th January 2021
The Spirit of the Lord is upon us
I am overwhelmed with joy in the Lord my God! For he has dressed me with the clothing of salvation and draped me in a robe of righteousness. I am like a bridegroom dressed for his wedding or a bride with her jewels.
Isaiah 61:10 (NLT)
The opening verses of Isaiah 61 are filled with such encouraging words and descriptive language that they should warm our hearts. According to Luke (Luke 4:18-19), some of Jesus’ earliest words in his ministry were taken from the words of Isaiah. The prophet spoke about good news, freedom from oppression and healing; bringing truth and hope to those in need, and salvation – even if it was not fully appreciated by his hearers.
In the midst of Covid and winter these verses speak to all who are or who feel worried. We are told that God is with us (Emmanuel) bringing comfort and favour, and that we are ‘planted for his own glory’ (Isaiah 61:3b). Reminiscent of Adam and Eve in the garden, God now clothes us with salvation and righteousness. Like the preparation that surrounds a wedding ceremony, we are adorned by God and decked out in splendour. At this wedding party we are given the finest new wine to drink as we celebrate freedom in Christ and his enduring love.
In reflecting on the grace-filled work of God, the Spirit fills our hearts with the joy of the Lord. Our minds are transformed to think in new ways based on God’s revelation to us so we can rebuild what was destroyed and restore what was lost. We are divinely invited to be an active part in the fulfilment of God’s word in our present age.
May our praise, worship and thanksgiving spring forth and pop up everywhere. We look forward to a time when ‘Everyone will praise him!’ (Isaiah 61:11b).
Prayer
Loving Father, thank you for the gifts and encouragement that you shower upon us. Help us each day to live in appreciation of what you do for us. In Jesus’ name we pray.
Amen
Study by David W. Gibbs
About the writer:
David Gibbs is an elder and Pastoral Worker for Grace Communion International in Northern England, the Midlands and Wales.
Local congregation:
Gracecom Birmingham
All Saints Church
George Road
Birmingham
B23 7QB
Meeting time:
Saturday 1:00pm
Local congregational contact:
David Gibbs
Email: birmingham@gracecom.church
Word of Life contact: wordoflife@gracecom.org