“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 captive, and release from darkness for the prisoners…” Isaiah 61:1
We live in a world of brokenness mixed in with a variety of sins. Isaiah 61 begins with Isaiah promising a hope for the future – a consolation for the years of brokenness that the people of Israel had gone through. He promises that there is someone coming “…to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives and release from darkness for the prisoners” (Isaiah 61:1). He continues on to say that “[He comes] to comfort all who mourn, 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.” But how is this applicable in our own lives? Do those promises hold true when we’re failing classes, our friends have abandoned us, our relationship is struggling, we’re fighting with our family constantly, or just feeling alone? There is a significant difference in these moments with and without Christ. Without Christ, sadness can be deep and unending. With Him, there is a comfort in knowing there is a purpose in the pain. Without Christ, being single can be alienating or discouraging but with Christ there’s a joy in being fulfilled through Him above all else. Without Christ, anger can be overwhelming and hard to let go of. With Christ, it’s disarmed by His loving and merciful nature. Isaiah foretold of a foundation that would change everything we built our lives on. 1 Peter says “See, I lay a stone in Zion a chosen and precious cornerstone and the one who trusts in his will never be put to shame.” Now to you who believe, this stone is precious. (1 Peter 2:4) A precious cornerstone – a beloved foundation.
Through this season of lent, take a minute to pause and reflect on where your heart stands.
Is it lonely? Heavy? Angry? Discouraged? Confused? Overwhelmed? Bored? All of the above?
If you’re lonely – take comfort in the precious cornerstone.
If you’re heavy hearted – take shelter in the precious cornerstone.
If you’re angry – find peace in the precious cornerstone.
If you’re discouraged – seek hope in the precious cornerstone.
If you’re confused – seek clarity in the precious cornerstone.
If you’re overwhelmed – seek stability in the precious cornerstone.
If you’re bored – seek the majestic beauty of the precious cornerstone.
Wherever you are in your walk of faith, rest in these promises:
“I’ve placed my beauty as a crown upon your head
I’ll exchange your filthy garments
And you’ll be clothed in white instead
Oh, my love, my love will find you where you are”.
MTCFB Youth 