July 4, 2012
“The Spirit of God, the Master, is on me because God anointed me. He sent me to preach good news to the poor, heal the heartbroken, Announce freedom to all captives, pardon all prisoners. God sent me to announce the year of his grace— a celebration of God’s destruction of our enemies— and to comfort all who mourn, To care for the needs of all who mourn in Zion, give them bouquets of roses instead of ashes, Messages of joy instead of news of doom, a praising heart instead of a languid spirit. Rename them “Oaks of Righteousness” planted by God to display his glory. They’ll rebuild the old ruins, raise a new city out of the wreckage. They’ll start over on the ruined cities, take the rubble left behind and make it new. You’ll hire outsiders to herd your flocks and foreigners to work your fields, But you’ll have the title “Priests of God,” honored as ministers of our God. You’ll feast on the bounty of nations, you’ll bask in their glory. Because you got a double dose of trouble and more than your share of contempt, Your inheritance in the land will be doubled and your joy go on forever.” Isaiah 61:1-7
Do you really want freedom? … Because it is life-changing. Everything about you changes. You may look the same on the outside .. but inside everything has changed. And Jesus…? This Messiah announces your life of grace .. pardons you .. preaches good news into dark and bad spaces .. heals the heartbroken .. turns your life into a message of joy .. plants you as a display of God’s glory .. rebuilds and raises wrecked lives out of discarded wreckages .. and transforms the ruined rubble of your life into a ministry of grace for the nations. This is the free life Christ has called you to live and live freely. You celebrate when you mourn .. You comfort when you suffer .. You dance from despair .. You announce grace into prisons of guilt and shame .. You praise from ashes .. You laugh in praise at your new name: Oaks of Righteousness! Freedom: This is the freedom that is yours in Christ. There is no real freedom outside of the gospel freedom found in Christ. And when you think you found it .. you discover that He is already there .. welcoming you home .. freeing you to live in his grace today! It only takes a moment …
“Christ has set us free to live a free life. So take your stand! Never again let anyone put a harness of slavery on you.” Galatians 5:1 The Message
Ken Chester: Grace-Gripped is sent M-F to the Fellowship of the Freed following Jesus and friends of Priority One (ken@priorityone.org) Happy 84 Smitty … You’re still a good stick…
