2/13- Declaring God’s Glory in Ashes- Isaiah 61:1-4

2/13- Declaring God’s Glory in Ashes- Isaiah 61:1-4

The Spirit of the Sovereign Lord is on me, because the Lord has anointed me to proclaim 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, 2  to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor     and 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 beauty instead of ashes, the oil of joy 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. 4  They will rebuild the ancient ruins and restore the places long devastated; they will renew the ruined cities that have been devastated for generations. (Isaiah 61:1-4- quoted and read by Jesus in Luke 4 "Today this scripture is fulfilled in your hearing."). 

Thoughts: When Christ began his ministry he began it as a missionary.  Christ came for a reason, and it was best stated by Isaiah (so he quotes it).  He came to give hope and heal the poor, the brokenhearted, the captives, prisoners; to comfort those who mourn.  

On this Ash Wednesday, we can remember that Jesus was the one who got rid of the ashes of death, the ashes of mourning, the ashes of despair.  Jesus was God's Son sent to bring hope and joy to the earth- turning ashes into a crown.
We are all called to imitate Christ- spreading good news- declaring God's glory.  

Prayer: On this Ash Wednesday- help me, Lord, turn someone's ashes into joy.  Help me to be a spreader of good news and hope.