Beauty from Ashes
Isaiah 61:3New Living Translation (NLT)3
To all who mourn in Israel,[a]
he will give a crown of beauty for ashes,
a joyous blessing instead of mourning,
festive praise instead of despair.
In their righteousness, they will be like great oaks
that the Lord has planted for his own glory.
he will give a crown of beauty for ashes,
a joyous blessing instead of mourning,
festive praise instead of despair.
In their righteousness, they will be like great oaks
that the Lord has planted for his own glory.
Just my thoughts.
Isaiah is probably one of my favorite books. A beautiful story of restoration and about Gods goodness and mercy. When ever I have read this verse I have always pictured the "beauty from ashes" part almost like a phoenix rising from the ashes. Starting new life in the place of what was. But I don't think that is what is being talked about here.
If we look at other areas where ashes were used, its clear that it was an outward representation of the inward mourning of people
Esther 4:1
When Mordecai learned about all that had been done, he tore his clothes, put on burlap and ashes, and went out into the city, crying with a loud and bitter wail.
2nd Samuel 13:19
9 But now Tamar tore her robe and put ashes on her head. And then, with her face in her hands, she went away crying.
In my opinion here, God is telling us that there is beauty even in our mourning. That someday, we will see the good that comes from what we are going through. Its just a matter of letting Him have the time to work this all together for our good.
