Monday, March 30, 2015

Renew, Part Three


Isaiah 41:1, "Let the nations renew their strength..."

Isaiah 61:4
- after a first reading starting in verse one, there are many beautiful and renewing words in the first three verses and then those who were renewed got busy and started some restoration of their own - let's look!

Isaiah 61:1-4, "The Spirit of the Sovereign Lord is on me, because the Lord has anointed me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives and release from darkness for the prisoners, to proclaim the year of the Lord's favor and the day f vengeance of our God, 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 gladness 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. They will rebuild the ancient ruins and restore the places long devastated, they will renew the ruined cities that have been devastated for generations."

List all the renewing words:
* bind up {heal}
* proclaim freedom
* release from darkness
* proclaim God's favor
* comfort
* provide
* bestow: crown of beauty; gladness; praise
* oaks of righteousness



Now notice in verse 4 it changes to, "they will ..." - What did they do?
- rebuild
- restore
- renew

What renews me? How dos that overflow to renewing others?

Proverbs 11:25, "A generous man will prosper; he who refreshes others will himself be refreshed."

Do you agree that those who refresh others will be refreshed? Why/why not? Can you think of an example?

Consider the phrase oaks of righteousness. I love the picture of mighty oak trees from tiny acorns that the Lord raises up for His glory!

How can I refresh others today? How can I be refreshed myself? How can I live as an oak of righteousness?

3 comments:

Anonymous said...

Thank you for your studies. I have benefitted so much from this RENEW study -- as well as from your SLOW and JONAH studies.

Thank you for challenging us to grow in our walk with Christ.

*carrie* said...

I've really appreciated that verse about refreshing others. As you know, our Mayo journey changed me and I try to be more intentional about reaching out--and in specific ways. Not saying "Let me know if you need anything" but identifying a need and acting on it. That has become a great passion of mine!

Abbi said...

Great thoughts! Thank you. I love the apple blossom pictures too.