Change the World - Value What God Values - Isaiah 61 - December 5, 2010

Bible Study – Change the World – Value What God Values – December 5, 2010.

This lesson begins a new series of study entitled “Change the World.”
Our scripture is Isaiah 61: 1-11.
This is a fitting study to come on the heels of our series on apologetics. Building a relationship with GOD through CHRIST brings a Christian’s heart in tune with the heart of GOD. When the things that break GOD’S heart break a Christian’s heart then he/she is in right relationship with GOD and ready to obediently serve HIM, as HE leads. This requires a Christian to release his/her will to GOD and allow HIM to lead and direct his/her life. It is time for action. The world is in a mess and those of us who know the truth must share that truth as GOD leads.


This is easy to say but hard to do because Christians do not want to give up their will. Their flesh wants to rule. The process of sanctification will help those having the desire to obediently serve GOD to do so when accompanied with the empowerment and leadership of the HOLY SPIRIT. There will be many ups and downs but rejoice in the ups and confess the downs then press on toward the high mark of HIS calling. HE will shape you and prepare you for an awesome journey with HIM.


Our scripture is taken from the Book of Isaiah. Isaiah was a prophet and his wife was a prophetess. In the beginning of his ministry he was liked by the people but he soon became very unpopular. The first 39 chapters deal with judgment for sin. The last 27 chapters deal with forgiveness, comfort and hope. The message of hope looks forward to the coming of the Messiah. Isaiah describes the Messiah as a suffering servant and sovereign LORD. He describes the ministry of CHRIST. Isaiah was written between 700 and 681 B. C.


Let’s read Isaiah 61:1-7:
1 The Spirit of the Lord GOD is on Me, because the LORD has anointed Me to bring good news to the poor. He has sent Me to heal[1] the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and freedom to the prisoners; 2 to proclaim the year of the LORD’s favor, and the day of our God’s vengeance; to comfort all who mourn, 3 to provide for those who mourn in Zion; to give them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, festive oil instead of mourning, and splendid clothes instead of despair.[2]And they will be called righteous trees, planted by the LORD, to glorify Him. 4 They will rebuild the ancient ruins;[3]they will restore the former devastations; they will renew the ruined cities, the devastations of many generations. 5 Strangers will stand and feed your flocks, and foreigners will be your plowmen and vinedressers. 6 But you will be called the LORD’s priests; they will speak of you as ministers of our God; you will eat the wealth of the nations, and you will boast in their riches. 7 Because your shame was double, and they cried out, “Disgrace is their portion,” therefore, they will possess double in their land, and eternal joy will be theirs.


In verse 1, Isaiah refers to “me.” The “me” could be Isaiah or the Messiah. JESUS quoted verses 1 and 2 when HE was in HIS hometown. HE read this scripture in the synagogue as recorded by Dr. Luke in Luke 4:16-22:


16 He came to Nazareth, where He had been brought up. As usual, He entered the synagogue on the Sabbath day and stood up to read. 17 The scroll of the prophet Isaiah was given to Him, and unrolling the scroll, He found the place where it was written: 18 The Spirit of the Lord is on Me, because He has anointed Me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent Me[12]to proclaim freedom[13]to the captives and recovery of sight to the blind, to set free the oppressed, 19 to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor.[14] [15]20 He then rolled up the scroll, gave it back to the attendant, and sat down. And the eyes of everyone in the synagogue were fixed on Him. 21 He began by saying to them, “Today as you listen, this Scripture has been fulfilled.” 22 They were all speaking well of Him[16] and were amazed by the gracious words that came from His mouth, yet they said, “Isn’t this Joseph’s son?”


The hometown folks were pleased until they wanted HIM to prove Himself. They wanted HIM to perform a miracle or do something to show that HE was the promised Messiah. HE was not a showman. HE only did what HIS FATHER told HIM to do. CHRIST told them that HIS ministry included the Gentiles and his hometown folks turned on HIM quickly and were ready to kill HIM.


When we study the New Testament and the life of CHRIST we see that JESUS fulfilled prophesy recorded by Isaiah regarding the ultimate Servant, who Christians know as CHRIST. GOD anointed CHRIST with HIS SPIRIT. This is the first mention of the trinity – GOD, THE FATHER, GOD, THE SON and GOD, THE HOLY SPIRIT. The ONE anointed with the SPIRIT would obediently serve GOD, THE FATHER and would accomplish certain tasks:


- Bring Good News to the poor. Those poor in Spirit and living in spiritual darkness. This includes all people who are poor in Spirit. Notice that HE was anointed to bring the Good News to all poor in Spirit. Oil was used to anoint priests and kings. Oil is a symbol for GOD’S SPIRIT. Christians have been anointed with the oil, the indwelling HOLY SPIRIT, to obediently serve their LORD and SAVIOR JESUS CHRIST. Being anointed with the HOLY SPIRIT sets the Christian aside and sanctifies him/her to serve as led by the HOLY SPIRIT. Anointing with oil was an outward symbol of the inner dwelling of the GOD’S SPIRIT which empowers Christians to go as directed by GOD.


- Heal the brokenhearted, to free those captured by sin and enslaved to sin. Those who suffer from the weight of sin. It is a person whose spirit has been crushed. This is more than a broken bone which can be set and it will mend itself because of the natural healing process but a broken spirit can only be mended by GOD. CHRIST’S shed blood delivers those who believe in HIM from the captivity and enslavement of sin. When sin has been dealt with, healing can begin. This is true for the Christian who has fallen back into sin as well as the non-Christian who needs to be delivered from the bondage of sin.


- To proclaim liberty to the captives and freedom to the prisoners. Liberty carries the idea of “flowing and free to run.” CHRIST liberates those who believe in HIM from the shackles of sin and anoints them to obediently serve HIM. Freedom means to “open eyes wide.” CHRIST saves all from sin and Spiritual death who ask HIM and believes that HE died for them upon the cross and that GOD raised HIM from the dead. CHRIST is the light of the world. As Christians, we have the light of salvation and we are liberated from the ravages and bondage of sin. When liberated and free from the bondage of sin our hearts are filled with the joy of our salvation and we want to share this Good News with those bound in the shackles of sin. Christians know what it is like to live in darkness and discover the marvelous light of salvation.


- To proclaim the year of the LORD’S favor and the day of our GOD’S vengeance. The LORD’S favor is salvation and all who have CHRIST are in GOD’S favor. Those without CHRIST will experience GOD’S vengeance because of the consequences of sin. GOD’S favor is patient but HIS vengeance is swift. GOD’S desire is for no one to perish. HIS hand is long enough to reach the vilest sinners.


- HE has sent ME to comfort all who mourn, to provide for those who mourn in Zion. Zion, in Biblical terms, refers to the city of Jerusalem, a reference to Solomon’s temple, the nation of Israel or the city of GOD in the New Age. The Gospel of CHRIST comforts all who seek salvation. The form of worship does not bring salvation. Those born-again into the family of GOD, through the shed blood of CHRIST, find that which comforts when religion fails. What does salvation bring? Isaiah gives us a clue in the next verse.


- To give them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, festive oil instead of mourning, and splendid clothes instead of despair.[2]And they will be called righteous trees, planted by the LORD, to glorify Him. GOD’S favor is being in right relationship with HIM through CHRIST. GOD gives those who have received salvation a crown of beauty instead of sackcloth and ashes. HE delivers those who mourn and anguish over their lost condition and live in darkness. The Jewish people wore sackcloth, sat in ashes, covered their heads with ashes and fasted when they mourned. Whereas during a festive time they wore bright clothes, splashed on perfume, had an abundance of food, music and dance. Being born-again into GOD’S family through CHRIST is a time of celebration. So we read the contrasts – Instead of mourning, sackcloth, ashes and despair, those receiving salvation form sin and death through deliverance by CHRIST, receive a crown of beauty (salvation), festive oil (THE HOLY SPIRIT) and splendid clothes (righteousness). Born-again Christians are Spiritually planted by GOD to be well rooted, righteous trees who glorify HIM. HIS children are to stand out because of HIS righteousness.


- They will rebuild the ancient ruins;[3]they will restore the former devastations; they will renew the ruined cities, the devastations of many generations. 5 Strangers will stand and feed your flocks, and foreigners will be your plowmen and vinedressers. A life changed by receiving CHRIST is a rebuilding process. This is the process of sanctification. CHRIST makes a difference to the individuals, to communities and nations. Rebuilding is a process that impacts generations. Many Christians have neglected bringing up their children in the ways of the LORD. They have not been the examples that GOD desired for them to be to their families. As a result, we have a generation not seeing the value of Christianity. It will be a long rebuilding process and it requires Christians living as GOD desires for them to live. Christian parents, grandparents and all who call themselves Christians are to practice what they preach. This scripture is also prophesying about the future of Israel. Israel would be taken into captivity and their land would be occupied by others but they would rebuild their country.


- But you will be called the LORD’s priests; they will speak of you as ministers of our God; you will eat the wealth of the nations, and you will boast in their riches. 7 Because your shame was double, and they cried out, “Disgrace is their portion,” therefore, they will possess double in their land, and eternal joy will be theirs. [ Verse 7 from the NIV Bible may help better understand this verse – “Instead of shame my people will receive a double portion and instead of disgrace they will rejoice in their inheritance; and so they will inherit a double portion in their land, and everlasting joy will be theirs.”] GOD’S desire for Israel was for them to reach out to other nations and represent GOD to them. GOD’S desire is for HIS chosen to be a light to those in darkness. This is GOD’S desire for all Christians. HE does not want HIS children to hide the light of salvation. When GOD’S people realize they have not obediently served GOD, as HE desires, their shame is double but because of this recognition and repentance by the people, their joy will be double.


The key point is the “me” in verse 1 refers to anyone who is anointed with the Spirit of the LORD by GOD to serve HIM - Isaiah, CHRIST, Christians. GOD calls HIS chosen to serve specific tasks. HE does the calling and HE empowers through the anointing and indwelling of the HOLY SPIRIT. A Christian’s part is to respond. Hopefully, the born-again believer will respond positively but as always, the choice is his/hers to make.


Let’s read Isaiah 61:8-9:
8 For I the LORD love justice; I hate robbery and injustice;[4]I will faithfully reward them and make an everlasting covenant with them. 9 Their descendants will be known among the nations, and their posterity among the peoples. All who see them will recognize that they are a people the LORD has blessed.


GOD is speaking in these verses. GOD told Isaiah that HE loves justice. What is justice? Some think it is punishment. Some think it is mercy. Some think it is merciful punishment. Justice boils down to wise judgment after considering all the facts. Justice considers both the wrongdoer(s) and the victim(s). GOD hates injustice and robbery. Any time a person violates another person GOD hates it and will take action. GOD’S justice has an element of mercy but it is not a get-out-of-jail free card. Justice carries consequences just as sin carries consequences. Because of sin, we all deserve to be punished but GOD extends HIS mercy to all who believe in HIS ONLY SON, JESUS. As GOD extends justice to Christians through CHRIST, HIS desire is that Christians will extend justice to others. That is, Christians should not show prejudice and discriminate. But justice needs to be meted out as GOD would do it. Christians need GOD’S wisdom when considering justice. Wisdom is knowledge applied to GOD’S plan. This can only come from GOD to Christians through the indwelling HOLY SPIRIT. Again, it is all about having the right relationship with GOD through CHRIST.


GOD hates wrongdoing and injustice. GOD makes an everlasting covenant with all who show justice. Those who obediently serve GOD, as HE leads them to correct injustices, will be rewarded. GOD’S blessings will extend to subsequent generations and people will recognize that GOD has blessed them for faithfully thwarting injustice.


Let’s consider “robbery” for a moment. Robbery can be the unlawful taking of something of value from a person. GOD hates this kind of wrong doing. Let’s consider another form of robbery. When those of us who have the knowledge of CHRIST do not share it, when led by the HOLY SPIRIT, it is a form of robbery. Do not rob others of the joy of salvation by remaining silent when GOD gives you the opportunity to share HIM with those in darkness.


Let’s read Isaiah 61:10-11:
10 I greatly rejoice in the LORD, I exult in my God; for He has clothed me with the garments of salvation and wrapped me in a robe of righteousness,[5]as a bridegroom wears a turban and as a bride adorns herself with her jewels. 11 For as the earth brings forth its growth, and as a garden enables what is sown to spring up, so the Lord GOD will cause righteousness and praise to spring up before all the nations.

Isaiah used “rejoice” and “exult” which express joy and gladness. Why was Isaiah joyous and glad? He stated it in the next phrase, “For HE has clothed me with the garments of salvation and wrapped me in a robe of righteousness.” Isaiah compared this to a sacred day between a man and a woman, their wedding day. It is a day of celebration and the union of two (2) to become one, never to be separated again. Isaiah links being clothed in these special garments for the wedding to being clothed in salvation and righteousness that only GOD can provide. He knows that only GOD has brought this about just as HE brings forth life to what is planted in a garden for all to see. As a result, GOD will reveal Himself through the righteousness and praise of HIS children as they are seen by others. Others will see the hand of GOD at work in their lives.

This is a beautiful example of what happens when a person accepts CHRIST as his/her SAVIOR. Paul says it well in 2 Corinthians 5:21:
21 He (GOD) made the One (JESUS) who did not know sin to be sin for us (those who would believe, Christians), so that we might become the righteousness of God in Him (JESUS).

This is GOD’S plan. Isaiah stated in Isaiah 64:6a:
6 All of us have become like something unclean, and all our righteous acts are like a polluted[5] garment;


CHRIST gave HIS life to pay the penalty for sin. Had there been another way, CHRIST would not have had to give HIS Life. HE took upon Himself sin. In essence, our sin was poured into HIM and HIS righteousness was poured into us as represented by the HOLY SPIRIT. At the instant a person asks CHRIST to forgive him/her of his/her sins, believing that CHRIST died for him/her, he/she receives salvation, righteousness, eternal life and is born into the family of GOD. Just as the bride takes on a new name at the wedding so do those receiving salvation. They also are indwelled and sealed by the HOLY SPIRIT and sanctified (set aside for the purposes of GOD) to name a few other things.


Isaiah was experiencing what Christians experience at the moment of salvation. The eyes of his heart were opened to the wonderful truth and plan of GOD through the promised Messiah.


GOD’S desire for Christians is to share, as HE leads and guides them, the fact that they were living in Spiritual poverty until they accepted CHRIST as their SAVIOR and made HIM the LORD of their lives. Earth has billions of people and through the HOLY SPIRIT, GOD must lead and guide HIS children to those who are ready to receive salvation. You may plant a seed or add a piece to their Spiritual puzzle but be obedient and share as GOD leads you.


Some may be called to go, some may be called to stay, pray and provide support in any number of ways to those who are called to go. We are all called to share CHRIST wherever we are, as GOD provides the opportunity.


Christians are clothed with salvation and righteousness. They are planted by GOD to represent HIS glory. Christians are indwelled by the HOLY SPIRIT and fully equipped to obediently serve GOD as HE leads them to change the world. As a Christian, let your light shine because you are GOD’S child and your home is heaven; therefore, share the Good News of CHRIST with those who live in Spiritual darkness and poverty. GOD valued each person such that HE sent HIS ONLY SON to die for those who would accept HIM as his/her SAVIOR. Our time on earth is very short and GOD did not make us for time but for eternity.