Displaying His Splendor

He has sent me to comfort those who are sad, those in Zion who mourn. I will take away the ashes on their head, and I will give them a crown. I will take away their sadness, and I will give them the oil of happiness. I will take away their sorrow, and I will give them celebration clothes. He sent me to name them ‘Good Trees’ and ‘The Lord’s Wonderful Plant.’ – (Isaiah 61:3, ERV)

 

To provide for those who grieve in Zion – to bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of gladness 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. – (Isaiah 61:3, NIV)

 

Though these were the words of Isaiah to the people of Israel, Jesus quoted these words in Luke as He read to the people in the synagogue. When we receive Jesus personally, His Spirit in us fulfills these promises for us. Only Christ can turn our ashes into something beautiful, and replace our mourning and despair with songs of praise. Despite what we go through, when we have Christ in us, we can be seen as righteous and pillars of strength in Him. His splendor is displayed through His Spirit in us. May we allow the Lord to be our comfort, our crown and our reason to celebrate as we go forth on this new day that He has made. Let His Spirit within us, display His splendor, as we operate in His righteousness in all that we say and do.

 

Our comfort in sorrow,

our glory in grief;

the Lord’s our provision,

and place of relief.

He takes all our ashes,

and gives us a crown;

pours the oil of gladness,

when our hearts are down.

As despair overwhelms,

He comes alongside;

gives us garments of praise,

hope from the inside.

His Spirit within us,

will rise and stand tall;

righteous in His splendor,

a witness to all.

 

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You comfort those who mourn. Thank You that You bestow beauty for ashes and give hope in place of despair. Thank You that You give gladness and reason to praise. Thank You that Your Spirit within us rises up, and You call us righteous; allowing Your splendor to be seen through us. Forgive us for forgetting how very near You are in all things and at all times. Teach us to trust You more, so that we will look to You in our sorrow and grief, and will celebrate You in our seasons of joy. Lead us to love others in such a way, that Your righteousness and splendor may be seen through us. May many come into a lasting relationship with You, Lord. Be glorified O God, as we receive all that You offer, and go forth in all that we have been given. Amen.

© Shannon Elizabeth Moreno and Revelations in Writing, May 2011 – present.

Let the heavens rejoice, let the earth be glad. – 1 Chronicles 16:31

Robed in Righteousness

As followers of Christ, our charge is to always be prepared. “Behold, I come like a thief! Blessed is he who stays awake and keeps his clothes with him, so that he may not go naked and be shamefully exposed.” – (Revelation 16:15) Upon reading this verse, the first thing that came to mind was another verse in Isaiah that is more specific about what being clothed actually means. I delight greatly in the Lord; my soul rejoices in my God. For He has clothed me with garments of salvation and arrayed me in a robe of His righteousness, as a bridegroom adorns his head like a priest, and as a bride adorns herself with her jewels. – (Isaiah 61:10)

 

The point of the verse in Revelation is that we are to be ever prepared. We must not take our salvation for granted, nor grow weary in our walk with Him. Our delight ought to be in Him, and our response should be full of rejoicing. He has clothed us in salvation and robed us in His righteousness. In Him, we shall not be ashamed. Let our lives be lived ever prepared and always grateful, for He is so very good!

 

May our delight,

be found in the Lord;

our souls rejoice,

at grace He affords.

For we are clothed,

in His righteousness;

saved by mercy,

endless faithfulness.

Ever alert,

aware He is near;

always prepared,

protected from fear.

 

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that though You will return at an unknown time, we need not fear if we are invested in a relationship with You. Thank You that You clothe us in salvation and robe us with Your righteousness; not because of anything that we have done, but because of what You did for us on the cross. Thank You Jesus, for loving us with Your life. Thank You for conquering death and sending Your Spirit to dwell in us to lead and guide us in the wait. Forgive us for our lack of faith or our inability to listen at times, and help us to trust You more, so that we will give all unto You. Lead us to listen and obey in all things and at all times. May we love others well, just as You love each of us, and may many come to know You personally, as a result. Be exalted O God, as we remember that we are robed in Your righteousness, and operate our lives accordingly. Amen.

© Shannon Elizabeth Moreno and Revelations in Writing, May 2011 – present.

Not that we are competent in ourselves to claim anything for ourselves, but our competence comes from God. – 2 Corinthians 3:5