Isaiah 61:1-7 Glory and Honour
Introduction:
Third Isaiah, chapters 56-66, is a book of Glory. Book talks on eternal life on earth. It gives a picture of the New Millennium concept. God is going to give greater majesty to all, Splendour to all.
1. Own the Scriptures
Chapter 61 explains:
1. It is about the Nazareth Manifesto of Jesus Christ. It’s about the Messiah in human form. Power of the Anointing. The prophet was going through mourning and ashes but the messiah changed the scenario into joy and gladness. Jesus declared himself to that great prophecy. He made it his own.
2. It is about the new responsibility given to believers.
3. It is about new glory given to anyone who comes to Christ through faith.
2. Own the Anointing of God
Anointing of God
‘Anoint’ means to rub, sprinkle on, and apply ointment. Ex 28:41 refers to the anointing of the priests. Oil is an outward sign of the inward works of the Spirit. 1 John 2:20 comments that you have an anointing from the Holy one, means filled with or blessed by. The anointing is the property of all who submit to God and responsive to.
According to Wesley the word “Anointed” refers to ‘Set me apart, both capacitating him with gifts, and commissioning him with authority, a power to make all effectual, Messiah among the Hebrews, Christ among the Greeks (Ps. 45:7).
Joel 2:28 – I will pour out my spirit upon the elders, youngsters, sons, and daughters.
Matt. 3:11- Baptism of the Holy Spirit and Baptism of Fire.
Lk. 24:49- Clothed with power from on high.
Ac. 1:8- Power of God, power of the Holy Spirit.
Ac. 2:38- Gift of the Holy Spirit.
Nu 11:25- the power of the Spirit rested on them.
Anointing is incoming of new power and grace through a new person, called Holy Spirit. It is no more an idea, philosophy, theology, concept but personal encounter, personal touch with God and experiencing the uniqueness of God and his character by the anointing of the Spirit.
This anointing power was used by Judges and kings to go for war (Judges 3:10 – Othniel), go against Lions (Judges 14:6-Samson tore the Lions) and go against enemies (1 Samuel 16:13-David).
As 1 John 1:1 says ‘we heard, seen, touched, and testify to it’. This experience is called by Jesus as born of the Spirit (John 3:8).
Before and After Anointing of God
Before:
Broken-hearted, Captives, Prisoners, mourners, Grievers, Dust and ashes, Spirit of despair and Shame.
After:
Crown of Beauty for Ashes
The word rendered 'beauty' (pe'e¯r) means properly a head-dress, turban or diadem. Jesus adorns the believers with such an ornament instead of the ashes on their heads.
Oil of gladness to sadness
People use Oil on their heads when they are in a good mood and attend the special occasions of wedding, formal programs.
Now people untie their hairs as one of the signs of freedom. Spreading hair was seen as possessed by the Spirit and sign of grief and lamentations (Psalm 23:5, 45:7-8 and Amos 6:6).
Garment of praise for tormented spirit
Book of Judith gives a beautiful description of the garment of praise:
A woman heard the bad news that her husband died at war and she became a widow. But later she was told that he was alive and going to meet her, he comes from the battlefield. Then the widow 'pulled off her sackcloth and garments of her widowhood, and washed her body all over with water, and anointed herself with precious ointment, and braided the hair of her head, and put on her garments of gladness. And she took sandals upon her feet, and put about her bracelets, her chains, her rings, her ear-rings, and all her ornaments, and decked herself bravely to allure the eyes of all men that should see her'.
Jesus Christ gives garments of salvation, the robe of righteousness and gracious word of God which yields joy, peace, and comfort.
Oaks of righteousness
Oaktree is a lofty, strong, and magnificent tree. The righteous shall flourish like the palm-tree; He shall grow like a cedar in Lebanon, Those that be planted in the house of the Lord Shall flourish in the courts of our God (Psalm 92:12-14).
They shall be firm, solid, and well-rooted, ingrafted into Christ and bring forth fruit suitable to the soil wherein they are planted, which had been as dry trees
Priests of God than mere devotees
Ministers of our God instead of slaves and labourers in the temple
The double portion of fame instead of shame
The double portion of Land instead of nomadic life
And Everlasting joy instead of short-lived pleasures.
3. Purpose of anointing
The anointing of God changes our status, changes our personalities, changes our purposes, changes our plans, changes our goals and priorities, and changes our characters.
Anointing of the Spirit changed the occasions of runaway young man Moses became a great man of courage, shepherd boy turned into King David, Ordinary fishers became Fishers of Men. The weak Disciples became extraordinary men of sufferings. Fearful Gideon became a mighty warrior to overturn the enemies with plans of God.
Anointing brings great responsibility to all of us. We take new responsibility for compassion, the responsibility of love and care. It’s not a duty based on law but it’s a responsibility bestowed because of love. Love beyond borders, class, and colors.
This anointing leads us to preach the Good news, to bind up broken-hearted, proclaim the salvation and release the prisoners.
Comfort the disheartened, Provide care and love, Bestow blessings upon people, Rebuild and Restore the desolate places and people.
