Isaiah 61

The providence of God is a majestic and mysterious wonder that I will never fully understand but will wholeheartedly trust in. God's providence is seen in the manner in which he upholds the universe as well as his causing of the events that occur throughout the day. His providence is collective and individual. I want to focus on the individual for a moment.

As of late, I have noticed a certain passage of Scripture that God, in his divine providence, continues to toss across my path. Three times this past week alone. #1. Just recently, my favorite blog has been updated with a new look and a new name, Beauty for Ashes. The name comes from Isaiah 61:3. #2. Misha and I just visited our old college church in Lafayette, IN. They are starting a new series based upon Isaiah 61:1-2. #3. One of the CDs that I like to listen to on my drive to and from work is This Is Our God by Hillsong. One of the songs references Isaiah 61.

One week, three encounters with Isaiah 61. Therefore, I have decided to take a little time and meditate upon Isaiah 61:1-3. These blog posts will kind of serve as a blog series, if you will. The passage I will be resting upon is below.

"The Spirit of the Lord God is upon me, because the Lord has anointed me to
bring good news to the poor; he has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to
proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to those who are
bound; to proclaim the year of the Lord's favor, and the day of vengenance of
our God; to comfort all who mourn; to grant to those who mourn in Zion - to give
them a beautiful headdress instead of ashes, the oil of gladness instead of
mourning, the garment of praise instead of a faint spirit; that they may be
called oaks of righteousness, the planting of the Lord, that he may be
glorified." - Isaiah 61:1-3