Isaiah 61 Devotional

Dressed in Salvation

“The Spirit of the Lord GOD is on Me, because the LORD has anointed Me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent Me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives and freedom to the prisoners,”Isaiah 61:1 (BSB)

The speaker in Isaiah 61 has been anointed by the Spirit of the Lord GOD to rescue. He brings good news to the poor, binds up the brokenhearted, and announces freedom for captives (61:1). He proclaims the year of the LORD's favor and comforts mourners, exchanging ashes for a crown, mourning for joy, and despair for praise (61:2-3). In the synagogue at Nazareth, Jesus read these words aloud, sat down, and said that this Scripture was fulfilled that day as they listened (Luke 4:18-21).

The people he restores become like strong oaks planted by the LORD, and they rebuild ancient ruins (61:3-4). God loves justice and makes an everlasting covenant with them (61:8). The chapter ends in a song of joy: God has clothed his people in salvation and wrapped them in righteousness, like a bride and groom dressed for their wedding (61:10). They do not dress themselves. Whatever your ashes are today, the Anointed One came to exchange them, and the clothing comes from God himself.

To think about: What ashes or mourning would you bring today to the One anointed to comfort and restore?