Planting of the Lord

I was reading this morning in Isaiah 61, and was struck by these beautiful verses:

 

1 The Spirit of the Lord God is upon me; because the Lord hath anointed me to preach good tidings unto the meek; he hath sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to them that are bound;

2 To proclaim the acceptable year of the Lord, and the day of vengeance of our God; to comfort all that mourn;

3 To appoint unto them that mourn in Zion, to give unto them beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness; that they might be called trees of righteousness, the planting of the Lord, that he might be glorified.

 

I love Isaiah's words about what the Messiah will do--the reasons for His coming! Almost two whole verses about His role to those who mourn!

Perhaps it will be some time before I see the "beauty for ashes" and the "oil of joy". That sounds like a Millennial promise.

But as I read the Spirit bore witness to me that I have already seen the fulfillment of some of these promises. The "spirit of heaviness" that so often weighs me down is lifted to a "garment of praise." I glorify Him for the comfort He has provided and I know He will continue to provide! Does that make me a "tree of righteousness" planted by the Lord?

Maybe just a little baby sapling for now. :)

May I grow to a tall, lovely green tree, to shade others, and to glorify my Planter!