Isaiah 61:7 – Abundant Grace
In these verses we see shame and confusion that the people had brought upon themselves, and then, in grace, our Lord Jesus giving to these ones honour and joy. Shame is a consciousness, an awareness that you’ve done something wrong. Man’s attempt to cover his own shame is utterly ineffective. Sin brings shame, and it does so not only for individual sinners, but for societies as well.
Verse 7 also uses the word dishonour or confusion. Confusion in this sense is bringing someone to where they don’t know what to do. Everything is in disorder, everything is in disarray, and one thing can’t be told from another. Sin brings back confusion. People don’t know what is right and what’s wrong, what is true and what is false, what is good and what is evil. This sort of confusion is an aspect of judgment itself. Society says, we will not have King Jesus rule over us, and God sends confusion upon them. Sin and rebellion do not bring honour. They do not bring joy. They do not bring clarity so that suddenly you’re understanding things far better now. Sin and rebellion bring shame, and they bring confusion.
How can God here speak of some receiving honour and joy? These are just the opposite of shame and confusion. How can this be? There is honour and joy because Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners (1Tim 1:15). Because of this covenant love, this everlasting grace, there’s a promise of not only honour to those who deserve shame, but of double honour, far more than the dishonour and shame deserved. How can God do this? It is because Christ lives and dies in the place of sinners, going Himself to shame at the accursed cross, going Himself to the place of dishonour, where He who knew no sin was made sin for us in order that we His people may be raised up from shame into honour and joy. This is the only hope for sinners and for societies. How can we do anything but joy when we know new life, when we know forgiveness of our sin, complete and entire? How can we but joy when we have the gift of the indwelling Spirit? How can we not but rejoice when we have assurance? I am saved, I am kept, I am held in my Jesus’ hand and He shall not let me go!
Question
- How is confusion a judgement?
Prayer Points
- Rejoice in what God has done for you.
- Use prayer points from your congregation.
- Pray for family matters.