Comfort for those who mourn

For the full context of this post read Isaiah 56 - 66.

If you need something to make you smile today, read the last ten chapters of the book of Isaiah. These chapters are filled with prophecies of the Messianic King. They are filled with prophecies of Jesus. Often we read them at Christmas and some of you may think that I have been quarantined so long that I have forgotten what month it is. Not so.

I have been quarantined so long that some days are sad days. Some days I lack motivation. Some days I want to cry. Some days I do cry. Life as it currently exists is not a life that any of us were prepared for. On my saddest days, I find myself rereading some of the Messianic prophecies. Read these words from Isaiah 61.

1 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 (Isaiah 61: 1-3).

This prophecy has been fulfilled through Jesus Christ. Jesus came to comfort all who mourn. Jesus came to provide for those who grieve. He came to anoint us with joy instead of mourning. He came to give us a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair. He came to bring beauty out of ashes. He came to proclaim good news!

I can’t make your sad days go away, but Jesus can. Bring him your broken heart and he will mend it. Trade your spirit of despair for garments of praise. Allow him to anoint your head with joy. It’s okay to have sad days, but when you do, remember the Messianic King has already come and he brings comfort for those who mourn.