Christians Are Positive People

Christians who know scripture should be the most positive people on the planet. Why? Because we know how the story began - with God. And we also know how the story turned around - through God, the Son becoming sin for us so that we might become the righteousness of God. And we know we have the Spirit of God and that God the Son will come back and bring us home to God the Father. 

Isaiah's positive message in chapter 61 spells out those realities in ancient prophetic language that contains stunning accuracy to New Testament realities. 

Isaiah 61:5–7 (ESV) Strangers shall stand and tend your flocks; foreigners shall be your plowmen and vinedressers; 6 but you shall be called the priests of the LORD; they shall speak of you as the ministers of our God; you shall eat the wealth of the nations, and in their glory you shall boast. 7 Instead of your shame there shall be a double portion; instead of dishonor they shall rejoice in their lot; therefore in their land they shall possess a double portion; they shall have everlasting joy.

Where does Peter get the idea of a "royal priesthood" but from this text? The promise of the Kingdom is wonderful. God's people will be ministers and enjoy the wealth of the nations. They will receive a double portion - the right of the ancient firstborn son. They will rejoice in God because they know they belong to Him! 

Christian we are called to rule with Christ!

Revelation 1:5b–6 (ESV) To him who loves us and has freed us from our sins by his blood 6 and made us a kingdom, priests to his God and Father, to him be glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen.

We are not the dregs of society. We are the leaders! Too many Christians act like we are supposed to be second-class citizens. Sure, we may be disliked and not tolerated but God is for us and will turn the animosity we face for our good!

Isaiah 61:8-9 (ESV) For I the LORD love justice; I hate robbery and wrong; I will faithfully give them their recompense, and I will make an everlasting covenant with them. 9 Their offspring shall be known among the nations, and their descendants in the midst of the peoples; all who see them shall acknowledge them, that they are an offspring the LORD has blessed.

The promises continue in verses 8-9. God will covenant with us! Our offspring will be known and seen as blessed by the Lord! 

Isaiah's joy overflows in praise to end this chapter. 
Isaiah 61:10–11 (ESV) I will greatly rejoice in the LORD; my soul shall exult in my God, for he has clothed me with the garments of salvation; he has covered me with the robe of righteousness, as a bridegroom decks himself like a priest with a beautiful headdress, and as a bride adorns herself with her jewels. 11 For as the earth brings forth its sprouts, and as a garden causes what is sown in it to sprout up, so the Lord GOD will cause righteousness and praise to sprout up before all the nations.

Verse 10 starts a new song from Isaiah. It's a son of identification with God. We belong to Him and we are dressed as He is. Notice verse 11 - that God Himself will cause this to happen. Yes, we respond to His goodness, but ultimately HE is the one who makes us who we are. 

What is there to be sad about? God is working for us and in us and coming back to receive us. 

Be positive.

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