Isaiah 61:1-3 
“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 favor 
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 splendor.” (NIV)

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Jesus launched his public ministry in his hometown with these words. (See Luke 4:16-21.) He declared that he himself was the Anointed One promised long before and then and there in the flesh. 

He came with 
* Good news
* Healing 
* Freedom
* Release
* The LORD’s favor
* Comfort 
* Provision 
* The crown of beauty
* Oil of joy 
* Garments of praise

His people would become 

oaks of righteousness, 
a planting of the LORD 
for the display of his splendor. 

God chooses people like us to show the world how good and kind he is. Ephesians 2:10 in various translations says we are God’s handiwork (NIV), his workmanship (CSB), his masterpiece (NLT). What God does in and through our lives declares to the whole world how much he loves us, and what he wants to do for everyone, everywhere. 

Every time I walk into our backyard, I see that hundred-year-old oak. It turns my thoughts to this description from Isaiah. God wants us to live solid, enduring, graceful lives. 

We are the canvas God uses to paint a picture of what life can be, by His grace, in His mercy, and empowered with His strength. Align your life with His purpose. Attune your heart to His perfect love. Become the portrait of His perfect artistry. 

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I will I will live a life God can use to display His splendor. 

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Our Father, take my life and make it the work of art only you can create. Use me in whatever way you see fit to display your splendor. Provide others with a picture of what you can do with a solitary life that is aligned and attuned to your heart and mind. Amen.