Some “through the Bible” thoughts from Isaiah 61.
The Spirit of the Lord God is upon me…
to give them a beautiful headdress instead of ashes,
the oil of gladness instead of mourning,
the garment of praise instead of a faint spirit (Isaiah 61:1,3).
What do you think of those restaurants whose menus announce, “No substitutions?”
- “Can I get a side salad instead of the vegetable medley?”
- “Could you give me a baked potato instead of the smashed garlic potatoes?”
- “I’m gluten free. Can I get celery instead of the pita chips?”
- “I’m vegan. Do you have Beyond meat?” (at a steak restaurant, lol)
Burger King was the chain who conditioned us to think we can have it our way. John Wanamaker supposedly said, “The customer is always right.” Plenty of “Karens” have led us to believe we can bully our way around a “no substitution” world.
On the other hand, God is all about “instead of.”
- Joy instead of gloom.
- A beautiful outfit instead of a black suit for a funeral.
- A smile instead of a frown.
- Life instead of death.
This world offers little. God offers so much. Grace instead of shame. Forgiveness instead of condemnation. Renewal instead of expiration. Fresh instead of stale. Victory instead of defeat. The old has gone; the new has come!
Waite for it... 