Trees of Righteousness
Today’s Text: Isaiah 61:1-4, 7-8
FOUNDATION

The Bible is the FOUNDATION for life.

The following passage is message of hope to a beleaguered nation of Israel living in exile:

ISAIAH 61:1-4, 7-8

“The Spirit of the Lord God is upon Me,
Because the Lord has anointed Me

To preach good tidings to the poor;
He has sent Me to heal the brokenhearted,
To proclaim liberty to the captives,
And the opening of the prison to those who are bound;
To proclaim the acceptable year of the Lord,
And the day of vengeance of our God;
To comfort all who mourn,
To console those who mourn in Zion,
To give them beauty for ashes,
The oil of joy for mourning,
The garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness;

That they may be called trees of righteousness,

 The planting of the Lord, that He may be glorified.”

And they shall rebuild the old ruins,
They shall raise up the former desolations,
And they shall repair the ruined cities,
The desolations of many generations.

Instead of your shame you shall have double honor,
And instead of confusion they shall rejoice in their portion.
Therefore in their land they shall possess double;
Everlasting joy shall be theirs.

“For I, the Lord, love justice.”

Jesus applied this prophetic passage to Himself when He read it in the synagogue of Capernaum (Lk. 4:18). With ultimate fulfillment occurring in the still future Messianic Kingdom, Isaiah’s prophecy elevates Israel to a position of honor and equates the nation with “trees of righteousness.” Based on God’s justice, the preservation of the Jewish people is assured along with their prosperity until the time when all the injustices Israel has endured will be avenged.

Charles E. McCracken is an international Bible teacher, long-time friend of Israel and advocate for the Jewish people. Known for authenticity in communicating biblical truth, Rev. McCracken’s presentations have relevance for those seeking to understand the significance of Israel and the church. He staunchly supports the nation of Israel and the Jewish people’s right to exist and live in peace. 

© Charles E. McCracken 2016, devotional comments only. Repost/Reprint with permission from the author. Scripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved. (Emphasis added.)

IMAGES:
1) The Bible is the FOUNDATION for life. By Ken Horn, [CC BY 2.0] via Wikimedia Commons – Enhancement: MKM Portfolios
2) Palm Tree Boulevard in Gan HaMoshava, Israel. By Kigry (Own work) [CC BY-SA 3.0], via Wikimedia Commons – Enhancement: MKM Portfolios

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