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September 10 To proclaim the favorable year of the Lord, and the day of vengeance of our God; to comfort all who mourn, to grant those who mourn in Zion, giving them a garland instead of ashes, the oil of gladness instead of mourning, the mantle of praise instead of a spirit of fainting. So they will be called oaks of righteousness, the planting of the Lord, that He may be glorified. Isaiah 61:2,3. We mourn not only for the absence of our loved ones who have passed from this life, but we also mourn for our sins. We know that we fail our God repeatedly, and we carry the scars to prove it. But there will come a time when we will fully realize the grace of God that gives us a reward. Instead of ashes upon our head there will be a garland of beauty beyond our description. There will be oil of gladness poured upon us, and praise for work done well in the Lord. This is all part of God’s grace, which we will spend eternity discovering and appreciating. Have you ever thought of yourself as an oak of righteousness? Certainly not if it were to be based upon your own merits. But we are a planting of the Lord Jesus. He is the expression of righteousness, the oak that will stand against all accusations of the enemy. As we share His life we can be called oaks of righteousness as well--all because of God’s grace. Father we praise You for regarding believers in Christ as an oak. We would not have reason to think of ourselves that way were it not for what You have done through Your Son, Jesus. We are securely planted within Him. Thank You and Amen. |
