It’s Still Difficult…But

Morning Thought: Five years ago today, my mom passed away. It’s still difficult for me – not just on this day – but during this time of year. I’m reminded that God’s good news is for those who mourn over loss, death and sin. The world is not what it should be…but this is not the end of the story. Isaiah 61 reveals to us that the Lord’s good news comforts those who mourn, replacing our grief with his glory. Instead of dust, he wraps us in his turban. Instead of despair, he anoints us with joy. Instead of emptiness, he clothes us with praise. The picture (especially in the Hebrew) is that we are his royal priests clothed with the highest dignity and honour (cf. Exodus 28:2). You can walk nobly because you represent the eternal Kingdom in this temporary world. “He calls them mighty trees of righteousness, a planting of Yahweh, glorifying him” (Isaiah 61:3c, my translation).