“Wearing sackcloth covered with ashes” (those garments worn by the bereaved), this describes the sad state of a man’s heart before he has met the perfect love of His Savior. For truly those who roam this world walk as if in mourning, for without the touch of His kindness on their lives, these souls shall remain in a sorrowful state, as the shroud of death will forever be draped across their future.
Yet none has to experience a bitter end to life when they could easily exchange their life of misery for one that no longer carries the strains of lament, where forgiveness has washed away all shame from within, leaving these without fault for their sins.
Who would disagree to this exchange?
Even though the price is only a repentant heart, surprisingly, few are willing to pay the cost, and so walk this life buried in a grave of despair with their eternal fate already decided; like a tomb that is tightly sealed in never ending darkness, where not even a fracture of light can penetrate its barrier once finality has rolled it into place.
Yet even when I extended this offer to the whole of mankind, most declined My invitation to be forgiven because they’re blinded to their true condition. Like those with a terminal illness whose body has begun to decay, these are used to their own stench, no longer sensing in the slightest the disease of sin running throughout their being. And so these wander this world like walking corpses, for their souls are already headed for the pit of death.
However, My Son’s life was yet poured out because there are still some who desire to shed their sackcloth and be freed from a lifetime of mourning. Although His sacrifice enveloped the whole world, and only some from each generation of man would accept Him as Savior, He was still willing to die, even for the few, because He knew these were My sons and daughters. He gladly bore the Cross so that these could obtain a beautiful crown, and having the joy of My Spirit poured out over their heads, are no longer vexed with any guilt.
This is indeed Good News! Those found in My Son have every reason to rejoice, for His life was given so they could live as new creations, having shed the pallor of death from their countenance, their spirits have been enlivened, now glowing with the essence of Christ’s divine nature because they are fully immersed in His perfection.
So celebrate what you have so graciously been given! For you have every reason to be jubilant, because the outpouring of My Son’s blood has guaranteed your redemption from sin. Then, instead of walking as mourners, with thanksgiving and praise exalt My name because you are no longer held in death’s grip, for now you hold the promise of eternity in your hearts! Let your disposition reflect this splendid gift you have been given; as recipients of life everlasting, which is the reward for all those who have received the kiss of redemption from Christ Jesus, their Savior.
“The mighty Spirit of Lord Yahweh is wrapped around me because Yahweh has anointed me, as a messenger to preach good news to the poor. He sent me to heal the wounds of the brokenhearted, to tell captives, “You are free,” and to tell prisoners, “Be free from your darkness.” I am sent to announce a new season of Yahweh’s grace and a time of God’s recompense on his enemies, to comfort all who are in sorrow, to strengthen those crushed by despair who mourn in Zion—to give them a beautiful bouquet in the place of ashes, the oil of bliss instead of tears, and the mantle of joyous praise instead of the spirit of heaviness. Because of this, they will be known as Mighty Oaks of Righteousness, planted by Yahweh as a living display of his glory.” -Isaiah 61:1-3