“…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.” (Isa. 61:3).

This is just one verse, but Messiah Yeshua read it in the congregation and proclaimed it fulfilled.  I like to take God’s word literally, unless obviously figurative, and I like to take it as though it applies to me.  I could occasionally be wrong in these perspectives and be disappointed, but the alternative is to risk unbelief and that is a very difficult thing to explain to God.

I need and want a crown of beauty instead of ashes, not to show off, but to remember that I am a joint heir with the King of Kings, Lord Yeshua, King of the Jews.  I need the oil of joy instead of mourning.  I have spent too much time thinking on the worries and cares of this life and the troubles of each day.  I need the joy of the Lord which is my strength; the Anointing with oil of joy that breaks the yoke and burden of sadness and mourning.  I need a garment of praise because God is worthy of praise and everything that has breath should praise the Lord. I need the garment of praise as I enter His gates with thanksgiving and His courts with praise. I do not want a spirit of despair that quits, refuses to believe, quenches the call and work of the Holy Spirit.

By the amazing unfathomable grace of God, I will be called an, “Oak of Righteousness”, because I have been granted the righteousness of my Messiah Yeshua. I have roots that go down deep with citizenship into Spiritual Israel.  By faith I am a planting of the Lord; He called me out of darkness and bound up my wounds and clothed me in the finest garments.  The winds and waves may beat against me, but I will stand because my foundation is on the rock and the Lord is a strong tower for those who take refuge in Him.