Isaiah 61:1-3 (NASB) says, “1 The Spirit of the Lord GOD is upon me; because the LORD hath anointed me to preach good tidings unto the meek; he hath sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to them that are bound; 2 To proclaim the acceptable year of the LORD, and the day of vengeance of our God; to comfort all that mourn; 3 To appoint unto them that mourn in Zion, to give unto them beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness; that they might be called trees of righteousness, the planting of the LORD, that he might be glorified.”
In Luke 4:18-19, following Christ coming out of the 40-day temptation in the wilderness, Jesus stood in the synagogue and began to read from Isaiah 61. He was declaring that “The Spirit of the LORD was upon Him” to accomplish these things. His identity as the only begotten Son of God was affirmed when He overcame being tempted by the devil in the wilderness, and it was demonstrated when He stated who He was through the ancient scriptures. In context, one of them would be to give “beauty for ashes.”
Oftentimes, you will find in scripture that ashes were the remnants of sacrifices offered to God (Exodus 27:3; Leviticus 4:12; 6:10-11; Numbers 4:13; 19:9-10). Also, people would wear, sit in or even put ashes on their head during times and seasons of mourning (2 Samuel 13:19; Esther 4:1; Job 2:8; Ezekiel 27:30). This mourning could range anywhere from grieving over the loss of a loved one to the pain they were personally experiencing, and even to the need and calling of fasting and repentance. Regardless of the motive or reason behind it, Christ, who is the anointed One, will give us “beauty for ashes.”
The word “beauty” can be translated to a beautiful garland or headdress, which would be a decorative wreath or crown of flowers. Someone would wear a garland in times of victory, honor and celebration! The anointing upon Jesus Christ causes a person to be transformed so supernaturally that they go from sadness and mourning to joy and victory! When they feel like they are simply “burned up” or “burned out” from ministry, work or life in general, God can take those ashes and give you beauty.
You may feel like you have done church for years, sacrificing and giving of yourself daily or weekly and not really receiving anything in return. All that remains is simply ash. You pour out over and over again, but inside you never feel refilled with anything. In that void state, it is easy to allow grief, offenses, hurt and frustration to creep in and take root in your life! But, I have good gospel news for you today! Jesus Christ is still giving beauty for ashes. You just have to be willing to let go of the ashes that remain. It may be the ashes of your marriage, career, or even church leadership, but give it to God because He always has a better plan in mind. All things work together for the good to those who love God and are called according to His purpose (Romans 8:28). Trust Him because His ways will always be higher than yours!