Sunday, September 21, 2008

Planting of the Lord

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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!

3 comments:

llamitanan said...[Reply to comment]

Wow, Michelle. That is beautiful! I'm going to include it when I talk with a sister in our ward who just lost her little 2-day-old baby yesterday. Hopefully, Isaiah's words will bring comfort to her. Life is so challenging! Thank you for sharing!

Becky said...[Reply to comment]

Michelle, such a beautiful thought! And I don't know if "beauty for ashes" and "oil of joy" are wholly Millennial promises. I think it's a process and a continual earning and yearning. Coming to the Savior is such.

Sharon Beck said...[Reply to comment]

Thanks for sharing your insights on this Isaiah scripture. I've never noticed this scripture before. Thanks for sharing it with us. I like your positive attitude.