What a Believer Must Restore (Isaiah 61:1-7) 3/30/2025
What a Believer Must Restore (Isaiah 61:1-7) 3/30/2025
Israel, which was first chosen, failed, fell, and was tragically taken captive by unbelievers. At this time, God recorded how He would restore Israel through the prophets. Since the fall of man in Genesis 3, God has continually promised works of restoration throughout the entire Bible. This work is ongoing. It is called salvation.
Salvation is not just about going to heaven after death. It is about being restored from a place of failure, brokenness, misery, and oppression. Why? Because God did not create human life that way from the beginning. God Himself declared, “It was very good” (Genesis 1:31), meaning that He created mankind perfectly. Yet, people today are endlessly failing, crumbling, and living unhappy lives. This is God’s pain, His dignity, and the restoration of His glory. This is salvation.
- Humans cannot restore themselves. God sent His Son as the Savior.
He is called the “Christ.” Verse 1 clearly explains who this Christ is and what He will do.
1) He was to come anointed by the Spirit of the Lord. He took on human flesh to understand our weakness and suffering (Phil 2:6-8 “Incarnation,” “Humiliation”). He came with the authority to save humanity (authority of Priest, King, and Prophet).
① As the Priest of God, He personally died and atoned for our sins (Matthew 20:28, Colossians 1:13-14, Hebrews 9:12).
② As King of God, He destroyed the power of Satan, who rules over the fallen world and humanity (Genesis 3:15, 1John 3:8).
③ As the Prophet of God, He became the way to meet God (John 14:6) and the door to salvation (John 10:9).
2) He came to bring this blessing to the poor (good news, the gospel). Who are the “poor” here? Those who are poor in heart (Matthew 5:3). In the original text, it means “to bow one’s head.” These people are those who truly receive grace. This is why sometimes, God allows a time of failure, pain, and despair.
① They are those who recognize their shame. They understand the true nature of our lives under Genesis 3 (Romans 3:10).
② Therefore, they seek God’s grace and help (salvation) (Isaiah 55:6-7).
③ They testify to God’s grace and help (answers, blessings) throughout their lives (Romans 1:14-15, Acts 20:24).
- There are blessings that all lives, especially saved believers, must restore in this gospel of grace.
1) Restoration of the Heart (Inner Healing) Christ came to heal the brokenhearted. Every problem, failure, suffering, and even “broken hearts” starts here. The Greek word for “heart” is “psyche”, meaning life, soul, and mind. It comes from the word meaning “breath” (Genesis 2:7). These words are different but mean the same. Life, soul, and heart cannot be separated.
① Following the fall, humans became spiritually dead (Eph 2:1). Humanity became separated from God, making it impossible for His Holy Spirit to dwell within them.
② In that emptiness, Satan took a hold, leading people to unknowingly follow his ways. This is why humans worship idols (Romans 1:21-23, 1Corinthians 10:20), follow darkness, and become enslaved (Ephesians 2:2-3). Their hearts are filled with greed, leading to endless corruption and wickedness.
③ As a result, we develop scars in our hearts. From childhood, people experience continuous scars from family, school, and society. These wounds create anxiety, fear, victimization, guilt, and lead to depression, personality disorders, addiction, and mental illness.
④ This is why Christ suffered (Isaiah 53:5). He bore our sins, resolved spiritual problems, healed heartache, and even took our physical suffering. Do not fear anything, do not blame anyone, and do not deceive yourself. Hold onto Christ.
⑤ Are you experiencing problems, failures, pain, or despair? Pour out your heart to God, deepen your relationship with Him, and make it a time to focus only on Him (Psalms 62:1-8). The result is not just healing. We will become witnesses who save others and the whole world.
2) Restoration of Life (Healing of Identity)
① The day of God’s grace and judgment will come (Vs2). Those who miss this grace will face judgment. Our salvation is given by grace (Ephesians 2:8-9). We are used by grace (Acts 15:10), and that is the covenant of grace.
② It says that God will transform all Israel’s sorrow, shame, and suffering (Vs 3). Instead of mourning, He will give them a crown. Instead of the shame of ashes, He will anoint them with the oil of joy. He will clothe them with praise, and they will be called those who reveal God’s glory.
③ God changed our status and identity for this purpose (Vs 6). We were given the new identity of being a child of God (John 1:12, Romans 8:15-17), a source of blessings (Ephesians 1:3-5), royal priests (1Peter 2:9), and remnants who will remain forever (Romans 11:5). Those who enjoy this blessing and save the world are disciples. Stand as disciples and raise up disciples (Matthew 28:18-20).
3) Restoration of Finances (Healing of economy of light, missions, and future) People will recognize us as God’s servants, and nations will bring their wealth and honor (Vs 6). They will receive a double portion and everlasting joy will be theirs(Vs 7)
① Fight spiritually to restore the economy that darkness has stolen (economy of light). Break the forces of darkness in your field. Do not love money or be controlled by it (1Timothy 6:10). Be honest. Do not earn money through wickedness or envy those who indulge in luxury and extravagance (James 5:1-4).
② Dedicate yourself to evangelism and missions for the 237 nations and 5,000 tribes (economy of misisons). Individuals, churches, and nations that devote themselves to evangelism and missions receive financial blessings (Matthew 6:33). Give with God’s heart to save the world, and He will abundantly provide (Luke 6:38, Acts 20:35). Start with one person or one nation (someone near you, the abandoned, or in the mission field).
③ Invest in the eternal future (economy of future). It says to store up treasures in heaven (Matthew 6:19-20). Every offering, dedication, and labor will be an eternal inheritance (Galatians 6:7-8). Sacrificing for the next generation is preparing God’s future. That is the future economy.
Conclusion – May you hold onto the gospel of grace that restores all things, and receive the answers of heart restoration, life restoration, and economic restoration.
3.30.25 What a Believer Must Restore