Isaiah 61:1-4
1The 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, 2to proclaim the year of the LORD’s favor and the day of vengeance of our God, to comfort all who mourn, 3and 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. 4They will rebuild the ancient ruins and restore the places long devastated; they will renew the ruined cities that have been devastated for generations.
The prophet Isaiah wrote of a Messiah whose mission was to bring good news of renewal and release to people hurting materially or spiritually. He said those who let the Messiah heal and restore them would be called “oaks of righteousness,” and join God’s mission to make our broken world new.
As you pray and prepare for your short-term summer mission to Taiwan, remember, you go as His oaks of righteousness; you have received a glorious high calling to be a display of his splendor. As you ready yourselves for this awesome opportunity I encourage you to be like those trees (Psalm 1) firmly planted by streams of water (filled with the Spirit) that yield its fruit in season (this is your “season” to go, to bless and serve others; to be a witness for His kingdom and an instrument of His righteousness).
In this high and humble calling, may you go and serve in the glory, majesty, power and authority of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ!
Pastor John Harris
