out of the ordinary | the garments

God frequently works through the ordinary. Through them he shares something of his love for us and reveals elements of his redemption plan. In this devotional series we look at some of the ordinary things Jesus would have encountered as he journeyed towards the cross. For the next few days we will look at garments. Holy Spirit, will you reveal something extraordinary through each of them. Amen.

The Spirit of the Sovereign Lord is on me, because the Lord has anointed me to proclaim 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, to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favour and the day of vengeance of our God, to comfort all who mourn, and provide for those who grieve in Zion—to bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of joy 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 splendour. Isaiah 61;1-3, NIV

When Jesus read from the scriptures in his home synagogue in Luke 4, he quoted part of Isaiah 61 but stopped short. Why? Because he had some explaining to do. In verse 20 Luke tells us Jesus gave the book back to the attendant and sat down - which meant he was going to teach. The goodness and grace of God were present with his people, the promise of the Messiah had been fulfilled, and Jesus wanted his home synagogue to hear the good news first.
 
But, by omitting the remaining verses Jesus teaches us there are still events that will unfold, promises that will be fulfilled, people who will be reached and healed by the gospel.

One of the verses Jesus doesn't read is the one in which God promises his people that we will wear garments of praise instead of a spirit of despair. One day, Jesus will return and everything will be made new. Meanwhile, we can take our flawed humanity, everything that challenges us, all the frustrations, all the sadness and choose to worship. Put on the garment of praise today. You'll find it is a good fit for a people who know the good news.

Let's pray
Thank you, Father, for the promise of a time when we will worship you day and night, night and day in the presences of the angels and elders. Take my praise, worship, and devotion today. May it be an acceptable sacrifice because I give it with my whole heart. In Jesus' name. Amen.