Isaiah 61:10 – Tell Me the Story

Your Inheritance

Did you know you have a royal inheritance? If you accepted Jesus as your Savior, you are adopted into the family of God, and you have a mansion in Heaven, a robe and a crown.

Check this out: “I delight greatly in the Lord; my soul rejoices in my God. For He has clothed me in garments of salvation and arrayed me in a robe of His righteousness, as a bridegroom adorns his head like a priest, and as a bride adorns herself with her jewels” (Isaiah 61:10). When you accepted God’s amazing love for your life, He provided you His robe of righteousness. So now when the Father looks on you, He does not see your sin or shame or guilt. Because of Jesus’ sacrifice for you on the cross, your sins have been removed as far as the east is from the west (Psalms 103:12).

Furthermore, when we enter Heaven and hear the words, “Well done good and faithful servant” (Matthew 25:21), God will hand out rewards, one of which is a crown. “Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love Him” (James 1:12). What we do for God’s glory on earth is not forgotten–preaching, teaching Sunday school, leading Bible study, mentoring, evangelism, serving the poor, singing in the choir, playing a musical instrument . . . The list goes on, but if you have done any of these or other things, which facilitated someone’s salvation, God has rewards. He loves us and wants us to live today and forever abundantly.

Now we have a robe and a crown. There is more–a mansion created just for you and another created just for me. “Let not your heart be troubled; you believe in God, believe also in Me. In My Father’s house are many mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself; that where I am, there you may be also” (John 14:1-4 NKJV). Listen! There is room for everybody! It seems too good to be true! Most of the time here on earth when things seem too good to be true, they are. This is different. God said it, and that makes is so.

THINK ABOUT IT

If God is so loving and generous, why would He send anyone to Hell? Be sure, He does not send people to Hell. But by their own choices, they choose Hell–choices to live for themselves and not God, to follow their own compassions and desires instead of God’s.

But if they knew about their inheritance, why would they choose to ignore it–to live for themselves, to choose things of this world and not for God’s kingdom? Maybe they don’t know. Maybe someone needs to tell them. Will that person be you? Jesus said, “The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few” (Matthew 9:37). Who is it that you know who needs to know Jesus and His amazing love? Will you think of a way to reach them of God’s glory?

PRAY ABOUT IT

Father God, thank you for adopting us into your family. Thank you for Jesus and the sacrifice He made so we could enjoy your presence and your abundant life today and forever. Help us to reach as many as possible for your kingdom. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Forgiven and Forgotten

Would you like to experience something as wonderful as a thousand sunsets, or be washed under magnificent waterfalls, or walk on beautiful forest trails or along delightful streams in the desert? What keeps you from the blessings of God? Is it because you think you don’t need Him? Is it because shame or despair or anxiety make you think you are not worthy of His love for you? Nothing could be farther from the truth. God loved you so much He gave His only Son to die on the cross for your sins so you could have new life in Him (John 3:16). You see, God does not tolerate sin. That’s why He gave His Son to pay our sin debt, for the wages of sin is death (Romans 6:23).

God not only forgives us our sins; He forgets them. “For as high as the heavens are above the earth, so great is his love for those who fear him; as far as the east is from the west, so far has he removed our transgressions from us” (Psalm 103:11-12). When we receive His great love for us, God clothes us in a robe of righteousness (Isaiah 61:10). That means He does not see our shame or guilt. They are gone–forgotten. We might remember them, but God doesn’t. It’s a mystery we accept by faith.

The key to a blessed life with God is to believe what He says is true–that He gave His Son for your new life. If you believe this, admit it to God and ask Him to forgive you of your sins. Be specific. Then commit to live for Him. Ask Him to help you. Then begin to read a Bible you understand. Read devotional books. Pray. At first I didn’t know how to pray and all I could say was, “Thank you, Jesus,” so thankful that the God of the universe loved even me.

Oh Friend, open the eyes of your heart to see a whole new world. We walk by faith; not by sight. Let this story and song of this young man speak to your heart.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, I pray the first time Christopher Duffley opens his eyes, he will see you. Help us to live the words of his song. Help us to live for you in newness of life. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

The Wedding

“I delight greatly in the Lord; my soul rejoices in my God. For he has clothed me with garments of salvation and arrayed me in a robe of his righteousness, as a bridegroom adorns his head like a priest, and as a bride adorns herself with her jewels” (Isaiah 61:10).

The church has this amazing hope–that we will meet the Lord as His bride, and He will be our bridegroom. I’ve been married more than once, but I only wore a white gown the first time.

It is different with God. Because of what Jesus did on the cross to save us from our sinfulness, God the Father clothes each of us in garments of salvation and gives us a robe of His righteousness. He does not see our guilt or shame; only the robe He provided. We can hold our heads high and be assured of God’s amazing love for us.

THINK ABOUT IT

When the bride (the church) meets her bridegroom (Jesus) at the wedding banquet, it will be personal. You may see me across the table, but Jesus will be by your side, holding your hand. The same for me, I may see you at the feast, but Jesus will be at my side, embracing me. It’s an awesome mystery. When we get to Heaven, God will dote over each of us as if we are the only ones there. What a glorious day that will be!

Are you ready? What is it that you have to do to be ready? Is Jesus your all in all or is there something that keeps you from making that commitment? My friend, if you are in love with Jesus, you can be confident in the day of our Lord. “For he says, ‘In the time of my favor I heard you, and in the day of salvation I helped you.’ I tell you, now is the time of God’s favor, now is the day of salvation” (2 Corinthians 6:2).

Are you not sure? Do not worry! Confess your sinfulness to God and ask Him to help you live for Him. It’s important to read His word every day. It’s His love letter to you. I pray that every word penetrates your heart. Then pray to Him. Talk to Him in your own words as you would talk to a close friend.

PRAY ABOUT IT

Oh Lord, our Lord, how majestic is your name in all the world. Thank you for making us in your image. Thank you for saving us from all the things that would destroy us. Help us to be confident in your amazing love as we look forward to being with you forever. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Idolatry

I visited a friend who had lost her loved one. She gave me a tour of her sweet little apartment. She came to shelving unit and tenderly picked up a figurine. I said, “She’s beautiful.” My friend said she prayed to her every day. I was shocked at first. Finally I said, “Becky, she has eyes that cannot see you, ears that cannot hear you when you need help, and a mouth that cannot speak comfort or encouragement to you. She cannot help you in times of trouble.” “Yes, but I can see her and touch her,” Becky said. My heart broke.

In ancient times as well as today, people have prayed to hand made objects, but that is only one kind of idolatry. Did you know that anyone or anything that takes first place (God’s place) in your life is an idol? It could be a hobby, a sport, a career, success, health, wealth or relationships. We long for fulfillment and meaning in life. This is the way God made us, but He wants to be what matters in our lives. He stands at the door of our hearts waiting for us to receive Him, but He will never force Himself on us.

THINK ABOUT IT

God made each of us unique and special. He knows all about us whether we know Him or not. Does that make you uncomfortable? Though nothing is hidden from God, He sees us with grace vision. He loved us so much that He gave His only son, so that whoever believes in Him will not die but have eternal life (John 3:16). Because of Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross to take away our sins, God the Father only sees us in our Robe of Righteousness. He does not see our shame and guilt. “I delight greatly in the Lord; my soul rejoices in my God. For he has clothed me in garments of salvation and arrayed me in a robe of his righteousness” (Isaiah 61:10).

PRAY ABOUT I

Heavenly Father, thank you for Jesus and the sacrifice He made for our forgiveness. Thank you that because He did this, you do not see our shame or guilt. Help us to live for you in light of our salvation. In Jesus’ name, Amen.