I will greatly rejoice in the Lord; my soul shall exult in my God, for he has clothed me with the garments of salvation; he has covered me with the robe of righteousness, as a bridegroom decks himself like a priest with a beautiful headdress, and as a bride adorns herself with her jewels. For as the earth brings forth its sprouts, and as a garden causes what is sown in it to sprout up, so the Lord God will cause righteousness and praise to sprout up before all the nations. Isaiah 61:10-11(ESV)
Dear heavenly Father, as my day begins, Isaiah’s words compel me to rejoice in two glorious expressions of your righteousness. I praise, bless, and adore you for clothing me in the righteousness of Christ. My hope is built on nothing less, more, or other than Jesus’ shed blood and perfect righteousness. Apart from Jesus, my works are as filthy rags, in terms of earning of gaining and maintaining a relationship with you. But trusting in Jesus’ work, my filthy rags have been exchanged for a grace-tailored wedding garment. Hallelujah, many times over!
And Father, I’m also exceedingly thankful today for the righteousness that will be manifest on earth, when you send Jesus back. As surely as Jesus’ kingdom has already come, it is coming in fullness. O how I long for the Day when the entire earth will be as a giant garden of grace—filled with the knowledge of your glory and the beauty of your heart.
No more inequity or disparity; no more death or dying; no more racism or any other “ism” that contradicts the gospel; no more burning churches or broken relationships; no more knowing in part or loving in part. No more violation of your will or persecution of your children; no more chronic illness, just perfect wellness; no more funerals, just one Big Wedding. Hasten that Day, Lord; hasten it. So very Amen we pray, in Jesus’ wonderful and merciful name.
