Isaiah 61:1-3 The Oil of Joy

Isaiah 61:1-3 (KJV)  The Spirit of the Lord GOD is upon me; because the LORD hath anointed me to preach good tidings unto the meek; he hath sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to them that are bound; To proclaim the acceptable year of the LORD, and the day of vengeance of our God; to comfort all that mourn; To appoint unto them that mourn in Zion, to give unto them beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness; that they might be called trees of righteousness, the planting of the LORD, that he might be glorified. 

The mission of Christ is prophesied by the prophet Isaiah. His coming brought great light to dispel the darkness of sin. A consummation of Old Testament prophesies. The hearts captive to sin shall be freed. His power to deliver the soul from utter spiritual darkness and bondage will be enacted in His crucifixion. Hell was vanquished.

The mourning heart will be turned to joy when the Holy Spirit ministers comfort and heal the aching heart. When the Holy Spirit comes and fills our hearts through His Word, we are wholly sanctified and our hearts are comforted. The heaviness of the heart, burdened by sin will be removed.

What eternal blessing opened to sinful men, lost and undone. The oil of joy that comes from the power of the Spirit of Christ brings gladness to the heart and new life. Let us, therefore, proclaim the good tidings that the brokenhearted may find God’s peace and the joy of salvation in Christ. Amen.